Abstract

AGUILAR-GUTIERREZ, O.F. et al. A simple proposal for modeling isothermal cure kinetics. Rev. Mex. Ing. Quím [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.1, pp.155-163. ISSN 1665-2738.

A simple model for cure kinetics, based on the Churchill-Usagi correlation, is presented here. This proposal, intended for engineering purposes, is capable of reducing computational time to facilitate, even with analytic solutions, the kinetics description, especially when more complex systems are being studied. In spite of the model's simplicity, fundamental kinetic parameters, including the reaction order and the rate constant, (composed of the Arrhenius constant and the activation energy) can be determined in the diffusion free zone. A four-parameter model accurately described the previously reported conversion evolution of a cyanate ester resin, from 140 to 190 ^oC, presented as a case example. For the limit conversion and the Churchill-Usagi exponent, a linear dependence with reaction temperature was obtained.

Keywords : cure kinetics; cyanate ester resin; industrial applications; modeling and simulation.