A model for the chemorheological behaviour of thermoset polymers

Altmann, Nara. (2002). A model for the chemorheological behaviour of thermoset polymers PhD Thesis, School of Engineering, The University of Queensland.

       
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Author Altmann, Nara.
Thesis Title A model for the chemorheological behaviour of thermoset polymers
School, Centre or Institute School of Engineering
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2002
Thesis type PhD Thesis
Supervisor Dr. Peter Halley
Total pages 266
Language eng
Subjects 09 Engineering
Formatted abstract Thermoset materials are used in a very broad range of applications due to the possibility of tailoring their final properties. To tailor the properties, and control process conditions, a model for its chemorheological behaviour is desired. Currently, a model that is able to predict the rheological response during the whole cure does not exist. This thesis combines a Dynamic Monte Carlo Percolation Grid Simulation with an adaptation of the Group Interaction Model for polymer properties. The polymerisation simulation provides details upon the molecular weight architecture of the chains. This information serves as an input to the viscoelastic model, which predicts the linear viscoelastic response. The power-law exponent of the dynamic moduli at gelation is shown to be dependent on two variables: the power-law exponent of the molecular weight distribution and the power-law exponent of the distribution of branch sizes. A Gelation Diagram is constructed from which dynamic exponents can be predicted based on these two characteristics. Although the model has been developed for thermosets, it has important implications to the viscoelasticity of thermoplastics. Model results are compared to literature data for linear, star, polydispersed and long-chain-branched polymers. Since the Group Interaction Model bases its predictions on the energy of interactions between molecules, the assumption that topological constraints are responsible for the relaxation behaviour of polymers is questioned.
Keyword Polymers
Thermosetting composites

 
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Created: Wed, 27 Apr 2011, 18:59:27 EST by Ling Yan on behalf of The University of Queensland Library