DETERMINATION OF GEL AND VITRIFICATION TIMES OF THERMOSET CURING PROCESS BY MEANS OF TMA, DMTA AND DSC TECHNIQUES - TTT DIAGRAM

In the present work, gelation and vitrification experimental data are obtained by TMA and DMTA techniques using the same thermoset based on an epoxy-amine system. The results show that the times obtained are no t equivalent and depend on the technique used. An attempt has been mad e to compare both determinations using the degree of cure obtained by means of DSC technique. The principal conclusion that we want to empha size is that it is the conversion degree and not the time of the pheno menological changes that take place during cure, that is the link to c onnect and interrelate the results obtained with different techniques. A method is also described for constructing the TTT diagram with only DSC and TMA or DMTA data.