Ni(II) and Cu(II) based catalysts for propargylated novolac resins curing: Activity study and curing process simulation

[Display omitted] •Catalytic curing of propargylated novolac with Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts resins was studied.•Probable catalysis mechanism of Cu(II) salts was discussed.•Curing process for bulky composite parts was simulated based on curing kinetic study. Catalysts for propargylated novolac resins (PN) curing based on stable Ni and Cu salts were studied. Concentration dependences of catalytic activities for both catalyst types were investigated. For the first time copper salts were suggested as catalysts for PN curing and catalytic action mechanism was suggested based on model experiments. Catalytic kinetic study followed by computer modeling allowed to simulate the curing process avoiding overheating during manufacturing of bulky composite part. A sufficient decrease both in processing time and temperature was demonstrated even under smoother thermal conditions while using the Ni catalysis. It was also shown that catalyzed curing proceeded more uniformly in the volume of bulky parts.