Curvature effects in the reaction-diffusion system governing frontal polymerization.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry and Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Reaction Kinetics

Background:

• Frontal polymerization is an efficient method for polymer curing.
• The polymerization front's temperature, speed, and geometry are interconnected and impact polymer properties.
• Understanding front dynamics is crucial for controlling curing processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of polymerization front curvature on propagation speed.
• To develop analytical models relating front geometry to propagation dynamics.
• To provide insights into the relationship between front curvature and exothermic reaction kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a reaction-diffusion model to study front propagation.
• Employed finite element simulations for verification.
• Validated model predictions through experimental studies.

Main Results:

• Concave fronts exhibit higher temperatures and speeds compared to convex fronts.
• A critical curvature for convex fronts leads to reaction quenching.
• Derived analytical relationships between front speed, geometry, and thickness.
• Demonstrated good agreement between model predictions and experimental observations.

Conclusions:

• Frontal polymerization speed is significantly affected by front curvature.
• The geometry of the polymerization front plays a critical role in reaction sustainability and propagation speed.
• This research provides a framework for predicting and controlling frontal polymerization dynamics based on front geometry.