Non-isothermal cure kinetics of aerogel/epoxy composites using differential scanning calorimetry

ABSTRACT

The present work determines the non-isothermal cure parameters of aerogel/epoxy samples along with the effect of a wetting agent. The cure parameters were calculated using Kissinger and isoconversional methods after which the reaction was modeled with the Sestak–Berggren equation. It is seen that the composites had higher activation energy and frequency factor values compared to the pure resin, and similarities in cure parameters between the aerogel/epoxy composites with and without the wetting agent were seen. Hence, the former’s use is advocated due to its positive influence on the resin–aerogel interface without sacrificing the cure parameters.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Aerogel
• epoxy
• cure kinetics
• DSC
• activation energy

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Alex Skordos, Dr. David Ayre, Dr. Lawrence Cook, and Mr. Jim Hurley for their assistance in the preparation of the samples and technical support. Additional experimental data can be found at: https://figshare.com/s/3714d82e29c829baa00b.