Assuming that the kinetic model function is uniform up to a
given a value, the ICK method as applied in this study follows the
integral solution of Eq. (1), viz.
Za
0
da
FðaÞ
¼ gðaÞ ¼
Zt
0
Kdt ¼ Kt (3)
or
lnðtÞa lnðtfÞa ¼ ln½gðaÞ lnðK0Þ þ
1
T 1
Tf
(4)
where Tf is the temperature against which all curing curves can be
shifted (superimposed); t and tf are times to approach a(T) =a(Tf)
at any experimental curing temperature, Tc; it is clear that
according to Eq. (4), Tc = T.
The ICK kinetics of DGEBA with DDS has been considered in
some studies [29–34]. As we discuss below, the Eap value and the
trends of ICK plots are comparable with our data.
The mechanism of the RIPS process during the reaction advance
is more interesting from a theoretical point of view [10,22]. On the
contrary, the fast pre-curing up to the gel point leading to low
cluster size of the TP modifier particles appears to be of practical
importance. In the previous study, we pre-cured DGEBA using an
aliphatic diamine hardener at an increasing temperature [3]. In
this work, we apply MW heating in order to perform fast single
step curing of DGEBA with DDS. The TP modifier was dissolved in
DGEGA, and DDS in stoichiometric quantity was added prior to
curing. Several authors discussed MW curing [34–43], but we
consider that the benefits of MW processing have not been yet
sufficiently discovered. In this respect, we can formulate the aims
of the study, namely:(i)to estimate the temperature regime in MW
field and (ii) to present physical evidences for efficient modifying
of the epoxy polymers.