The kinetic and rheological parameters related to the cure cycle of an epoxy resin (F584)/carbon fiber pre-impregnated (prepreg) system were determined by thermal and rheological analysis. The results were used to evaluate the cure cycle nowadays used in the composite processing industry, with the same prepreg system. Based on thermal analyses results it was verified that the curing of the epoxy resin follows a polymerization kinetic of n = 1,3 order and that the heating rate more adequate for the composite processing is equal to 2,5 °C/min. This heating rate favors a cure cycle at lower temperatures, when compared to the other heating rates studied, 5 e 10 °C/min, allowing a more homogeneous and better controlled cure reactions.
Prepreg; polymeric composites; epoxy resin; cure kinetic; cure cycle; DSC; DMA; rheological analyses
