Crosslinking of a polyester resin in the heated plain sheet copper mould

Abstract

The crosslinking of the unsaturated polyester was studied by using experiments and a model of the process. The kinetic parameters were calculated from the heat flux–time curves obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, Netzsch–Simultaneous Thermal Analyser DSC 200), working in DSC (dynamic) mode. The temperature–time histories were studied in plain sheet copper mould. The mathematical model was constructed by taking into account the heat transferred by conduction through the resin, as well as the kinetics of heat generated by the crosslinking reaction. The contributions to the rise in temperature from heat conduction and chemical reaction are different in different parts of the composite, and can explain the temperature-, or degree of crosslinking (DOC)–time histories. By considering temperature–time histories developed within the sample, more extensive knowledge of the process can be obtained. The effect of the heat transfer by conduction through the composite as well as the internal heat generated by the cure reaction is clearly shown, despite the complexity of the process. Finally, good agreement between experimental data and predicted mathematical model of the crosslinking process in plane sheet mould was shown.