Title: Investigation of Chemorheology and Curing Kinetics of Cyanate Ester/Epoxy Blends with a Reactive Flame Retardant Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Rheological Measurements

Authors: Mustafa Mukhtar and Donald Klosterman

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.25.0047

Abstract: Cyanate ester (CE) and epoxy (EP) resin blends are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and electronics due to their thermal stability, mechanical toughness, and cost-effectiveness. However, incorporating flame retardants like poly(m-phenylene methylphosphonate) (PMP) alters curing kinetics and rheology. This study examines the impact of 3 wt% PMP on CE/EP blends to optimize processing for autoclave curing. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometer reveal a PMP-induced dual-stage curing mechanism, with activation energies of 80 kJ/mol and 115 kJ/mol for initial and final stages, respectively. PMP accelerates curing, reducing gelation times by over 90% from 324 minutes to 25 minutes at 150°C. Viscosity analysis identifies a critical low-viscosity plateau (100°C–190°C), facilitating flowability for autoclave, oven, or RTM curing. At 110°C, PMP-modified blends maintain a viscosity below 2000 cP, ensuring effective impregnation. These findings guide composite manufacturing, highlighting the need for pre-heating to improve mold impregnation and final composite quality. PMP serves as a multifunctional additive, enhancing flame retardancy, accelerating curing, and improving processability, supporting the development of high-performance, cost-effective materials for advanced industrial applications.

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Conference: SAMPE 2025

Publication Date: 2025/05/19

SKU: TP25-0000000047

Pages: 10

Price: $20.00