Premium
A kinetic model for free‐radical crosslinking co‐polymerization of styrene/vinylester resin
Author(s) -
Yang Huan,
Lee L. James
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.10569
Subject(s) - materials science , thermosetting polymer , differential scanning calorimetry , transfer molding , composite material , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , glass transition , styrene , composite number , polymer , polymerization , kinetics , epoxy , vinyl ester , molding (decorative) , copolymer , chemical engineering , thermodynamics , mold , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Abstract Vinylester resin is a major thermoset polymer used In low temperature composite manufacturing processes, such as the Seemann Composite Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP). In this study, the effect of temperature on the cure kinetics of vinylester resin in the range of 35 to 90°C was investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). A mechanistic kinetic model was developed to simulate the reaction rate and conversion profiles of vinylester vinylene and styrene vinyl groups, as well as the total reaction action rate and conversion. Experimental results from DSC and FUR at different temperatures were compared with model predictions. The glass transition temperature of the vinylester resin cured at different temperatures was identified and used to monitor the final conversion change. A series of SCRIMP molding experiments were conducted. The developed kinetic model in conjunction with a heat transfer model was used to simulate the temperature and conversion changes inside the SCRIMP‐molded composites.