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Surface Energetics Evolution during Processing of Epoxy Resins
1Laboratoire de Technologie des Composites et Polymères (LTC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|February 3, 2000
Summary
This study predicts surface energetics evolution during epoxy resin curing using solubility parameters and density. The method accurately estimates surface energy, aiding understanding of adhesive properties in polymeric materials.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Epoxy resin curing involves complex surface energetic changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for predicting final material properties.
- Direct measurement of surface energy during curing is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predict the evolution of surface energetics during epoxy resin curing.
- To validate a semiempirical model relating surface tension to solubility parameters.
- To provide a method for estimating the total surface energy of cured epoxy resins.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a semiempirical model linking surface tension and solubility parameter.
- Investigated the evolution of solubility parameter, density, temperature, and time.
- Employed the Wilhelmy wetting force method with viscous drag corrections for experimental measurements.
Main Results:
- Theoretical predictions showed very good agreement with experimental surface tension data after viscous effect corrections.
- The model successfully tracked the evolution of surface energetics throughout the curing process.
- Enabled estimation of total surface energies for solid cured epoxy resins.
Conclusions:
- The developed method accurately predicts surface energetics evolution during epoxy resin curing.
- This provides a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing adhesive properties of polymers.
- The findings contribute to the fundamental knowledge of polymer processing and material performance.