Cure kinetics and rheology modelling of boehmite (AlOOH) nanoparticle modified epoxy resin systems

Nanoparticles can effectively increase the resin matrix properties, which is especially attractive for fabrication of high-performance fiber composites by liquid composite molding (LCM) processes. However, the cure kinetics and rheological behavior of the matrix, which are the most critical aspects in LCM processes, could be affected by the introduction of nanoparticles, depending on the surface functionalization and concentration. In this paper, the cure kinetics and rheology of a boehmite nanoparticle modified epoxy matrix is characterized and modelled. The influence of boehmite nanoparticles on cure and rheological behaviors is analyzed. By optimization of the regression method combined with model parameter analysis, a good correlation between the model parameters and nanoparticle concentration is determined. Finally, a generalized model is put forward to describe and predict the cure kinetics and rheology depending on time, temperature, and concentration of nanoparticles.