ISSN:
0032-3888
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
The effect of moisture on the curing reaction of Hercules 3501-6/AS graphite-epoxy prepreg was investigated. Test samples of prepreg were aged under humid conditions, while control samples were aged under identical temperature conditions but with negligible humidity. Determinations of the amounts of moisture absorbed and desorbed fom the samples were accomplished gravimetrically. Dielectric analysis was used to monitor the relative reaction rates and overall activation energies of the prepreg after various aging periods. Changes taking place in monomer concentrations were observed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). As aging continued, samples aged under humid conditions displayed, significant decrease in the overall activation energy accompanied by increased reaction rates. This change did not occur in the control samples. Samples aged in high humidity showed increased conversion of monomers to polymer when compared to dry aged samples. The aging time required before the above changes became apparent was temperature dependent; the higher the aging temperature, the sooner the changes in reactivity occurred.
Additional Material:
15 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pen.760210807
