In-Situ Monitoring of the Curing of Epoxy Resins by Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract

Polymerization reactions are based on complex processes that are somewhat difficult to predict via mathematical models, especially without experimental data. A method to investigate the cure of epoxies via in-situ Raman spectroscopy has been developed. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is the industry-standard method for determining the cure of a polymer, but it is a labor-intensive method that is also fairly slow. Raman spectroscopy is used to monitor the cure chemistry of DGEBA (Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A) and to observe in-situ the evolution of the reticulation.

Analyzing the network formation and curing kinetics of epoxy resins by in situ near-infrared measurements with variable heating rates

“…The epoxy conversion can also be measured directly by structural changes using spectroscopic methods like near-infrared (NIR) [4,[22][23][24][25], mid-infrared (MIR) [26][27][28][29] or Raman [30][31][32] spectroscopy. In the NIR region bands are often difficult to evaluate due to mode coupling and overtones, hence MIR spectroscopy is often preferred to analyse chemical composition.…”

Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Reinforced with TiO2Nanoparticles

“…The matrix used in this work was a commercially available grade of the Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A ((4‐(2,3epoxypropoxy)phenyl)propane) abbreviated as DGEBA 1 . It was used under its commercial designation (Dow Chemical Company; DER 332).…”

“…Nowadays, epoxy resins are extensively used in various technical applications such as coatings, composite matrices, potting compounds, and structural adhesives. Resin transfer molding is rapidly gaining acceptance as one of the most promising manufacturing routes for composite structures in applications such as aerospace and automotive industries 1 …”

“…Resin transfer molding is rapidly gaining acceptance as one of the most promising manufacturing routes for composite structures in applications such as aerospace and automotive industries. 1 Nanocomposites are a novel class of composite materials where one of the constituents has dimensions ranging between 1 and 100 nm. Nanocomposite materials garner most of their material improvements from interactions at the molecular scale, influencing physical and material parameters at scales inaccessible by traditional filler materials.…”

Processing

“…Compared to the reference methods, Raman spectroscopy bears the advantages of providing real-time information and being less laborious. Raman spectroscopy has also been applied to study the curing of epoxy resins [16] and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement [17] in situ.…”