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Interferometric study of epoxy resin gelation

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6256509

The transition of epoxy resins from a mobile liquid to a rubbery gel is a complex process depending on chemical reaction kinetics and both heat and mass transfer. The purpose of this study is to determine the locus of initial gelation in an epoxy resin, and the course of gelatin through both neat resins and glass fiber/epxoy resin composites. This was accomplished by monitoring the local changes in refractive index in transparent epoxy castings using laser interferometry, supplemented by temperature profiles obtained from thermocouple arrays. These experiments were carried out on pure DGEBA epoxy (DOW DER-332) cured with a variety of primary amine, secondary amine, and anhydride curing agents.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6256509
Report Number(s):
CONF-8106158-1; ON: DE81030128
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English