The effect of a liquid CTBN rubber modifier on the thermo-kinetic parameters of an epoxy resin during a pultrusion process

Rheo-kinetic behaviour of an epoxy resin, coupled with an anhydride hardener, with different CTBN liquid rubber concentration (0-15 phr), used in fibre reinforced plastics, was analysed comparing experimental data with theoretical models. The modelling of technological pultrusion process for thermoset matrix composites, developed through a numerical code realised with MATLAB, is reported, too. The model includes conduction and cure heat, degree of cure and viscosity evolution during the curing within the die. Considerable differences in process condition, using different rubber amount, are obtained. The numerical modelling of process conditions shows that the CTBN rubber presence in the epoxy resin reduces temperatures and times of cure.