New model for characterising resin cure by dynamic differential scanning calorimetry

In general, mould filling and resin cure are essential parts of thermoset composite manufacturing processes. While resin viscosity is a crucial property required in modelling and designing mould filling, resin cure or chemical reaction plays a key role in consolidating a composite. For a given cure cycle, resin cure is predicted by calculating the degree of cure using a cure kinetics model. Normally, cure kinetics is modelled by quantifying the extent of chemical reaction. There are many other methods for quantifying the chemical reaction and released heat was used in this study. A new model for determining cure kinetics with dynamic differential scanning calorimetry has been developed. The new method was applied to an epoxy resin system and was verified by comparison of measurement with prediction.