Frontal polymerization accelerated by continuous conductive elements

Abstract

Frontal polymerization (FP), a propagating reaction wave driven by exothermic polymerization, is increasingly considered for the rapid fabrication of fiber-reinforced composites. However, the effect of the fibers on the FP reaction has not yet been explored. In this contribution, we demonstrate that thermally conductive continuous elements accelerate FP using an experimental model system and finite-element-based numerical simulations. Furthermore, the degree of acceleration is shown to be affected by the amount of available monomer in the system. These results suggest that thermally conductive carbon fiber reinforcement may facilitate FP for composite manufacturing.

Photoinduced cationic frontal polymerization of epoxy–carbon fibre composites

“…This was attributed to the good thermal conductivity of the carbon fibres which facilitate the thermal front propagation. This behaviour is in agreement with data previously reported by Goli et al …”

Radical-induced cationic frontal polymerisation for prepreg technology

“…Normally, the frontal velocity decreases with an increase of filler content, which was discussed in the previous works [28]. However, if the specimens contain thermally conductive elements and they align along the propagated path of the front, the frontal velocity could be faster than those of the matrix [47,48]. This is also applicable in this experiment where the thermally conductive carbon fibre tow results in the faster frontal velocity.…”

Analytical estimates of front velocity in the frontal polymerization of thermoset polymers and composites

“…T A B L E 3 Material parameters and initial conditions considered for various monomers for the analytical and numerical predictions of front velocities 3. The parameters have been obtained from: Gao et al 34 (COD); Robertson et al 9 (DCPD-GC2); Kessler and White 28 (DCPD-GC1); Goli et al 35 (TMPTA); Hardis et al 36 (DGEBA)…”

“…Comparison between analytical approximation 18 and numerical predictions for the front velocity in various monomers with different cure kinetics. The numerical values have been obtained from: Gao et al 34 (COD); Robertson et al 9 (DCPD-GC2); Goli et al 11 (DCPD-GC1); Goli et al 35…”