Free volume-based modelling of free radical crosslinking polymerisation of unsaturated polyesters

A new mechanistic kinetic model is presented for the cure behaviour of unsaturated polyester (UP) resins. The model is based on free radical polymerisation mechanism and the free volume concept. The quasi steady-state assumption for the free radical concentration is not used, and the decrease in initiator efficiency with conversion and radical trapping are modelled separately. The glass transition temperature of partially cured samples was measured employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in conjunction with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and the values obtained were incorporated into the model. DSC obtained conversion-time data for a standard commercially available UP resin under isothermal conditions. The kinetic parameters of the model were estimated using parameter optimisation procedures resulting in good agreement between model predictions and experimental data. Modelling in combination with experimental cure data showed that at higher isothermal cure temperatures a greater extent of physical trapping of radicals occurs rendering them inactive.