Dilatometry on Thermoset Resins
Abstract
A simple capillary and bulb mercury dilatometer designed for making specific volume measurements on thermoset resin systems during the curing reaction and as a function of temperature is described. The design, calibration, operation, data treatment and error analysis are presented in detail with data on the bisphenol A dicyanate resin system is used as an example. Particular attention is directed at experimental difficulties such as monomer/prepolymer degassing, filling the dilatometer under vacuum, adhesive distortion of the curing resin on the dilatometer bulb and the dilatometer bulb to capillary connection problem. In this work, we are primarily concerned with volume changes accompanying the cure reaction and thermal expansion of thermoset polymers. This report is a detailed account of customizing the design of a dilatometer to make such measurements. Thermoset polymers present somewhat unique challenges in that the material starts as a viscous liquid and transforms into a rigid solid with excellent adhesive properties. It is this characteristic that makes these materials useful as composite matrix resins.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 29, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239276
Entities
People
- Arthur W. Snow
- J. P. Armistead
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory