Cure kinetics of a tetrafunctional rubber modified epoxy-amine system

In this work the curing kinetics behaviour of a rubber modified epoxy amine system is investigated through calorimetric analysis. This study is part o f a wider investigation on new epoxy formulations to be used as matrices of composite materials. The aim is to enhance both the processing behaviour a nd the mechanical properties of the matrix in order to obtain higher perfor mance composites for more demanding applications. The epoxy system is blend ed with a high molecular mass rubber containing functional groups reactive towards the epoxies. The formation of a rubber/epoxy network can be achieve d by means of a 'pre-reaction' between the epoxy monomers and the rubber fu nctional groups, carried out in the presence of a suitable catalyst and bef ore the resin is cured with the amino hardener. In this work the influence of both the rubber and the catalyst on the resin cure kinetics is analysed.