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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The effective utilization of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess molded parts

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6092957

A widely accepted method for determining degree of cure of diallyl pthlalate (DAP) resin based molded parts is differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The differential scanning calorimeter is a laboratory instrument which measures the exothermic heat of reaction as the thermosetting molding compound undergoes polymerization (cure). It is standard industry practice to utilize the data from this analysis to assign the percentage of cure for the molded part. This practice was addressed for several reasons. First, the DSC versus cure time is not a linear function. However, the usual convention specifies a linear scale for the percentage cure. This can cause concern for the customer when this calculated ''percentage cure'' is below a value that is perceived as acceptable. This perception is often based on a psychological premise as to the quality of the part as it relates to the percentage cure and not to the associated physical properties of the part. 3 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
EG and G Mound Applied Technologies, Miamisburg, OH (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-88DP43495
OSTI ID:
6092957
Report Number(s):
MLM-3592(OP); CONF-8905165-1; ON: DE89014737
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English