A consistent cure kinetic model for AS4/3502 graphite/epoxy

Accurate cure kinetic model is crucial for correctly identifying the amount of heat generated for composite process simulation. This paper presents a new technique for identifying cure kinetics parameters for Hercules AS4/3502 prepreg by normalizing the DSC data. The cure kinetics is based on an autocatalytic model for the proposed method, which uses dynamic and isothermal DSC data to determine its parameters. Existing models are also used to determine kinetic parameters but rendered inadequate because of the material's temperature dependent final degree of cure. The model predictions determined from the new technique showed good agreement to both isothermal and dynamic DSC data. The final degree of cure was also in good agreement with experimental data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.