Use of modulated differential scanning calorimetry to observe vitrification during epoxy resin cure

Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) was applied to the cure of a thermosetting epoxy resin, RTM6, to identify the vitrification point of the resin for a particular curing cycle. It is found that there is a significant steep change in the heat capacity of RTM6 resin after a certain degree of thermal treatment. The change is believed to correspond to a change in the transport mechanism within the resin, which controls the rate of the curing reaction. The use of MDSC could help in the development of optimum curing cycles for new resin systems. (AIAA)