Abstract
The final properties of thermosets are strongly dependent on their curing process. Therefore, closely monitoring this process is necessary to assure the manufacturing quality and productivity. In this way, the aim of this study is to develop a simple dielectric module for monitoring and optimizing the industrial curing cycle of thermosets. The module is based on a data acquisition system and an interdigital sensor that remains in contact with the resin throughout the entire curing process. Dielectric analysis (DEA) was performed in a commercial epoxy resin formulation widely used as a matrix for thermoset composites, which was submitted to a pre-established and validated curing cycle. The properties derived from DEA measurements are in accordance with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results, allowing the identification of key stages of the curing process. The similarity between the results of both techniques is a strong indicative of the possibility of using the developed module as an alternative for industrial cure monitoring and optimization.
Highlights
Monitoring the curing process of thermosets can assure better final properties and reduce the processing time of these materials[1]
The purpose of this study is to develop a simple measurement module for dielectric analysis that can be applied on industries to monitor the curing process of a commercial epoxy resin, widely used as a matrix for advanced thermoset composites
The dielectric module developed in this study presented good potential for the online cure monitoring of epoxy resins in industrial environments
Summary
Monitoring the curing process of thermosets can assure better final properties and reduce the processing time of these materials[1]. There are many methods of cure monitoring, mostly only applicable in laboratories and non-adaptive to industry application This monitoring is usually limited to time and temperature control based on the resin’s supplier recommendations. Among several cure-monitoring methods, dielectric analysis (DEA) is known to be a well stablished technique for monitoring cure during a production operation[5] and the most mature online cure monitoring technology[7]. This sort of analysis is performed with sinusoidal excitations at specific frequencies that generate a current waveform used to calculate the frequency dependent dielectric properties of the material by applying the Fourier transform[5]
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