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Optimization of polyester sheet molding compound. Part I: Experimental study
Author(s) -
Fan J. D.,
Marinelli J. M.,
Lee L. James
Publication year - 1986
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.750070407
Subject(s) - sheet moulding compound , materials science , curing (chemistry) , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , polyester , molding (decorative) , limiting , polyester resin , core (optical fiber) , mechanical engineering , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
A series of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and molding experiments were carried out to measure the effect of curing agents, namely initiators and inhibitor, on the SMC reaction. Results showed that the induction time, the reaction rate, and the limiting conversion of sheet molding compounds can be modified through the change of curing agents. The SMC resin with a higher concentration of low temperature initiator and molded at higher temperature may cure in a shorter period of time and reach a higher conversion. The shortened scorch time and shelf life can be balanced by adding small amount of inhibitor. Surface quality of molded SMC parts measured by solvent extraction process showed that limiting conversion is an important factor in SMC molding.