Monitoring the changing state of a polymeric coating resin during synthesis, cure and use

Essential to 'intelligent manufacturing' and 'smart materials' is the abili ty to monitor the state of a polymer coating resin as it is synthesized in a reactor, as it cures during application and as it ages during use in the field. Important aspects of this sensor monitoring capability are: in situ, on-line measurement; that the signal output be related to the relevant pro cessing and use properties; sensitivity with long-term reliability in a man ufacturing and field environment. This paper addresses the ability of in si tu dielectric sensor measurements to monitor the state and progress of batc h reactor resin polymerization both in the laboratory and in an industrial ICI pilot plant, the cure of a coating during application, and the changes in physical properties or durability of the polymer during use in the field . (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All nights reserved.