Real-Time In-situ Characterization of Electron-Beam-Induced Bulk Polymerizations

摘要

The objective of this work was to develop a fundamental understanding of EB induced bulk polymerization of networK forming systems and to apply this understanding for the rational development of improved EB cured materials. In order to obtain a fundamental understanding of the chemical and physical processes associated with EB curing and to develop a rational means for designing improved EB material systems, our research team focused on two major tasks: (1) Performing real-time in-situ characterization of EB cure kinetics for representative cationic and free radical cured systems and the development of appropriate mechanistically based cure models for the design of improved materials systems; and (2) Development of a suite of real-time in-situ sensors to monitor major aspects of thermoset resin cure during EB irradiation that include chemical conversion, temperature, dose, dose rate, and residual stress. The scientific challenges were to elucidate the reaction pathways that occur during EB induced polymerization and to obtain a clear understanding of factors that govern final material performance.