Work

Predictive Model for Epoxy‐Amine Polymerizations at Decreased Tc Using Variable Frequency Microwaves

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study presents a predictive model for the thermo‐mechanical properties of epoxy polymers cured with Variable Frequency Microwave (VFM) processing. The model is based on properties derived from the structural features of the epoxide and amine precursors. The choices of total entropy, amine basicity, and total polarizability provide major processing advantages over conventional thermal polymerization methods. VFM lowers curing temperature (Tc) by up to 52% and cuts processing time in half. This lowered polymerization temperature preserves essential material properties such as ultimate glass transition temperature (Tg∞), minimized coefficient of thermal expansion, crosslink density, storage modulus, and average molecular weight between crosslinks.

Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science

DOI: 10.1002/app.70244

Authors: R. L. Hubbard, Seok Hyun Lee, Casey Check

Institution: University of Oregon

Language: English

Topic: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,140

Funder: University of Oregon