EVALUATION OF THE CURING STATE OF EPOXY THERMOSET SYSTEMS

The characterization of thermoset networks has been carried out using numerous techniques but accurate determination of the extent of reacti on is sometimes difficult. Some of these techniques have hen evaluated rapidly. As example, curing of epoxy-hardener systems have been inves tigated by DSC, infrared spectroscopy and other techniques and results were compared. Advantages and drawbacks of each technique art: discus sed and the risks of obtening misleading results for the kinetic studi es or for the determination of reaction extent are underlined. Theses conclusions can he applied to numerous reactive thermoset systems.