Polymers | Monitoring the curing process of an epoxy-amine system with FTIR spectroscopy
Proper epoxy curing is crucial in carbon fiber reinforced composites, determining interfacial load transfer, mechanical strength and laminate dimensional stability. Incomplete curing reduces impact resistance, generates matrix microcracks and weakens fiber-matrix adhesion, leading to premature delamination. FTIR spectroscopy monitors epoxide group conversion in real-time to optimize the process.
The proper curing of epoxy resins is a critical determinant of their mechanical, chemical and physical performance. Inadequate or incomplete curing adversely affects tensile, impact and abrasion resistance, compromises interfacial adhesion and can induce microcracking, warping, or premature failure.
From a chemical standpoint, residual unreacted functional groups result in surface tackiness, accelerated yellowing and susceptibility to hydrolytic or oxidative degradation, while also diminishing resistance to chemical agents, moisture and thermal stress. Precise control of the curing process is necessary to mitigate internal stresses and dimensional instability. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provides a quantitative method to monitor the progression of functional group conversion, detect incomplete curing and optimize parameters such as temperature, time and formulation, thereby ensuring reproducible performance, durability and structural reliability in epoxy-based systems.
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