Modeling and estimation of parameters for the curing of an epoxy/amine system

A new methodology for estimation of the kinetic parameters of epoxy resin systems using only global conversion data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in isothermal reactions is presented. For this, a modified version of the mathematical model proposed by Finzel et al. is presented to describe the curing reaction of a system composed by a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin (DGEBA) and 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone (4,4′-DDS). The model and parameter estimation methodology were implemented in the EMSO process simulator. Experimental data of curing reactions at 140 and 180 °C were used for parameters estimation, while data obtained at 200 °C were used for validation. The proposed model was shown to describe adequately the experimental data for the system studied, both in fitting and prediction. The methodology for parameter estimation allowed accurate values of all the parameters involved to be obtained.