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Title: Infusible acrylic thermoplastic resins: Tailoring of chemorheological properties

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Polymer Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/app.48006 · OSTI ID:1799262

ABSTRACT Infusible liquid resins that polymerize into a thermoplastic are desirable for many applications. Similar to unsaturated and vinylester thermosetting systems, they consist of polymers dissolved in reactive monomer. This work presents a method to decrease cycle time by tuning the molecular weight and concentration of the predissolved polymer in the resin. Variation of these properties allows precise control of the viscosity which in turn controls the time at which peak exotherm is reached, the maximum temperature for a given part thickness, and cure time. Predictive models for the viscosity dependence on molecular weight, polymer concentration, shear rate, and temperature are developed. Two fiberglass panels are fabricated and tested; one with a lower molecular weight ( M w ~30 kg mol −1 ) poly(methyl methacrylate) dissolved in methyl methacrylate and the second with higher molecular weight ( M w ~500 kg mol −1 ) predissolved polymer in the resin. Mechanical properties are indistinguishable but the lower molecular weight panel cures up to three times faster. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 48006.

Research Organization:
Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, Knoxville, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
State of Colorado; Colorado Higher Education Competitive Research Authority (CHECRA); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE); Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI); USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0006926
OSTI ID:
1799262
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1542512
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 136, Issue 40; ISSN 0021-8995
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 4 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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