In Situ Characterization of the Reaction-Diffusion Behavior during the Gradient Interphase Formation of Polyetherimide with a High-Temperature Epoxy System

This study presents two novel methods for in situ characterization of the reaction-diffusion process during the co-curing of a polyetherimide thermoplastic interlayer with an epoxy-amine thermoset. The first method was based on hot stage experiments using a computer vision point tracker algorithm to detect and trace diffusion fronts, and the second method used space- and time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. Both approaches provided essential information, e.g., type of transport phenomena and diffusion rate. They can also be combined and serve to elucidate phenomena occurring during diffusion up to phase separation of the gradient interphase between the epoxy system and the thermoplastic. Accordingly, it was possible to distinguish reaction-diffusion mechanisms, describe the diffusivity of the present system and evaluate the usability of the above-mentioned methods.

Automated summary

This study presents two novel methods for characterizing the reaction-diffusion process during the co-curing of polymers. The first method uses a computer vision algorithm to track diffusion fronts, while the second method utilizes Raman spectroscopy with high spatial and temporal resolution. Both methods provide essential information and can be combined to elucidate phenomena during diffusion.