Effect of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on cure reaction of novolac with hexamethylenetetramine and properties of related composites

► Two novolacs with quite different Mw and MWD, PF-8062 and PF-0193, are compared. ► DSC is used to study the novolac/HMTA cure with the model-free Vyazokin method. ► The nonisothermal reaction activation energy is analyzed and the isothermal cure predicated. ► The thermal decomposition, rheology, and mechanical properties are inspected. ► The effects of Mw and MWD of the novolacs are highlighted.