Effects of glass fibers on kinetic model and rheology of glass fiber reinforced phenolic resin

Effects of glass fibers on curing kinetics and rheology of novolac type phenolic resins have been studied by using DSC and mechanical spectrometer. Addition of glass fibers exhibit a broader reaction peak in non-isothermal DSC curves, and it also makes the isothermal cure reaction slower. Measurements of dynamic viscosity under isothermal condition were also carried out. Two kinds of empirical models of curing viscosity are used to analyze the flow mechanisms of fiber reinforced phenolic resin during its reaction. The results suggest glass fibers have great influence on gelation of novolac-hexa system.