A basic process model for EB curing of composite materials

The development and application of a simple process model for electron beam (EB) and UV processing of polymers and composites is presented. This model incorporates a one-dimensional heat transfer analysis coupled with a recently developed model for the kinetics of radiation curing and can be used to predict internal temperatures and progression of cure during processing. Model predictions are compared with experimental temperatures and cure rate measurements acquired for Tactix 123 (DGEBA) epoxy using a simple EB calorimeter, and a case study is performed to show the effects of process parameters on model predictions. Some important differences were found between predicted and measured values, some of which were attributed to the unanticipated presence of moisture in the resin. It was also found that in some regimes model predictions and, to a lesser extent, experimental results could be highly sensitive to process conditions. Although it is clear that much work remains to be done to further develop the current model and the demonstrated calorimetric technique into robust tools for composites processors, their potential for assisting in improving understanding of radiation curing seems evident.