TESTING THE KINETIC AND THERMAL PARAMETERS FOR THE CURE OF AN UNSATURATED POLYESTER

The cure of an unsaturated polyester was studied by using experiments and a model of the process. Two kinds of experiment were conducted, on e with the calorimetry in scanning mode for determining the kinetics o f curve, the other with a rather large cylinder. The numerical model w as constructed by taking into account the heat transferred by conducti on through the resin, and convection at the surface, as well as the ki netics of heat generated by the cure reactions. The temperature-time h istories in the middle of the cylinder obtained either from experiment s or by calculation were compared, and found in good agreement, provid ing the accuracy of the values of the kinetic and thermal parameters.