Effect of dual-initiator on low temperature curing of unsaturated polyester resins

In low temperature composite manufacturing processes, a major concern is how to control the resin gel time and cure time and how to achieve a high resin conversion with low residual volatile organic chemicals. In this study, a cobalt promoter catalyzed dual-initiator system was used to control the reaction rate and resin conversion of unsaturated polyester resins. A mechanistic kinetic model was developed to predict the reaction kinetics with dual initiators. This model can be used to simulate the isothermal and dynamic reaction rate and conversion profiles. It can also be utilized to predict the effect of promoter concentration on UP resin cured at low temperatures. The dual-initiator system was applied in the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process at room temperature. The kinetic model, in conjunction with the heat transfer analysis, was able to successfully predict the temperature profiles during the molding processes.