Advanced Cure and Rheology Kinetics Characterization and Modeling to Simulate Manufacturing Processes for High-Temperature Elastomers

摘要

Tooling and molding of automated processes such as transfer molding benefit remarkably from flow and cure simulation-based Computer Aided Engineering(CAE),especially for costly,high-temperature elastomers.This paper will illustrate advanced analytical rubber characterization techniques and mathematical modeling to drive custom simulation for elastomer manufacturing.Differential scanning calorimeter(DSC)and a Rubber Process Analyzer(RPA)/rheometer were employed to characterize the rubber material in order to obtain appropriate curing reaction and viscosity models,respectively.Significant differences in mold fill,cure,and warpage were observed from custom and formulation specific models.Such a customized modeling approach can eliminate inaccuracies emanating from use of a free generic,library-based data fitment approach,resulting in cost and yield benefits in formulation and process development stages.