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Kinetic Analysis and Characterization of Epoxy Resins ... - FedOA

Kinetic Analysis and Characterization of Epoxy Resins ... - FedOA

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Preface<br />

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composites are nowadays extensively<br />

used as metal replacement in the production <strong>of</strong> aerospace, automotive <strong>and</strong> marine<br />

parts. The most widely used matrix materials for advanced composites are thermoset<br />

epoxy resins, which are processed by cure, consisting in conversion <strong>of</strong> liquid<br />

monomers into three-dimensional thermoset network via chemical reactions <strong>and</strong><br />

formation <strong>of</strong> crosslinks between the main chains.<br />

Thermoset polymer are also<br />

used in microelectronics industry in which the curing <strong>of</strong> such systems have become<br />

the bottleneck <strong>of</strong> the whole production process. <strong>Epoxy</strong> resins have graduated from<br />

a laboratory curiosity to a multitude <strong>of</strong> applications, becoming an integral part<br />

<strong>of</strong> the adhesive industry, printed board circuitry, beyond aircraft <strong>and</strong> spacecraft<br />

design.<br />

During processing, heat is supplied to the sample by conduction, convection<br />

<strong>and</strong> radiation from thermal energy sources. The use <strong>of</strong> conventional thermal energy<br />

sources in the manufacturing <strong>of</strong> composites results in long processing times <strong>and</strong><br />

large temperature gradients, especially in thicker samples. In the search for an<br />

alternative energy source for the thermoset cure, considerable interest has been<br />

entrusted in the application <strong>of</strong> electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency<br />

range.

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