INVESTIGATION IN THE PROCESS OF CURE OF THERMOSETS AND SELECTION OF BETTER INFORMATION

Thermosetting polymers are polymerised into three-dimensional networks in a heated mould. The process of cure is complex because of heat con duction and convection and of the internal heat generated by the cure reaction, and modelling of the process is of interest. The problem of finding information on the process is studied especially, in order to follow the process in a better way. The profiles of temperature and st ate of cure expanded through the thickness of the resin sheet are give n, as well as the temperature- and state of cure-time histories follow ed at the midplane of the resin and at various places in the resin. Mo reover, the heat flux is evaluated in various places and times in the mould and the resin. The heat flux is especially useful in industrial applications, as it is highly sensitive and it can be easily measured within the mould or at the resin-mould interface.