Rheo-Raman | Combining Rheology and Raman Spectroscopy: Following an Epoxy Resin Curing Reaction
The combination of an MCR series rheometer and a Cora 5001 Fiber Raman spectrometer allows in-situ analysis of physical and chemical properties of a system simultaneously
Rheometers are great for characterizing the evolving physical properties of materials, such as viscosity and elasticity. When coupled with Raman spectroscopy, they offer simultaneous chemical insights. A prime example is the curing of epoxy resins, where both chemical and physical properties transform concurrently due to crosslinking between the epoxy and the hardener. Raman spectroscopy effectively tracks this process by monitoring specific functional groups.
An Anton Paar setup allows measuring with both instruments simultaneously, aligning viscoelastic and spectroscopic measurements on a common time axis. This alignment facilitates straightforward correlation between the chemical and physical data. Notably, while the chemical reaction, as evidenced by Raman spectral changes, proceeds at a relatively constant rate, significant alterations in macroscopic properties become evident only after a critical threshold of reaction is reached—marking the transition from a liquid state to a gelatinous solid.
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