Control of shrinkage and final conversion of vinyl ester resins cured in low‐temperature molding processes

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Abstract
Vinyl ester resin is a major thermoset polymer used in low‐temperature composite manufacturing processes such as the Seemann composite resin infusion‐molding process (SCRIMP). Volume shrinkage and residual styrene are important concerns for composites produced in such processes. A low‐shrinkage additive (LSA) is a typical agent added to control the volume shrinkage of vinyl ester resins during molding. In this study, the effects of LSA content and the temperature profile (the temperature gradient and peak temperature) on the volume shrinkage control of a vinyl ester resin were investigated. The reaction kinetics of the resin system were also studied. We achieved good volume shrinkage control if we raised the curing temperature slowly to allow sufficient time for phase separation and if the curing temperature reached a high value after phase separation to allow microvoid formation. On the basis of experimental results, we designed an improved SCRIMP to increase resin conversion, reduce resin shrinkage, and produce composites with better properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 1486–1496, 2003