Cure kinetics of epoxy resin-natural zeolite composites

The cure kinetics of epoxy resin and epoxy resin containing 10 mass% of natural zeolite were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The conformity of the cure kinetic data of epoxy and epoxy-zeolite system was checked with the auto-catalytic cure rate model. The results indicated that the hydroxyl group on the zeolite surface played a significant role in the autocatalytic reaction mechanism. This group was able to form a new transition state between anhydride hardener and epoxide group. The natural zeolite particles acted as catalyst for the epoxy system by promoting its curing rate.