Thermokinetic effect of the aging of epoxy matrix prepregs for high performance composites

Abstract The reactivity and processability of prepregs for high performance composites have been investigated as a function of time and storing conditions. The study has been focused on the stability of epoxy matrix carbon fiber prepregs, affected by exposure to controlled environmental conditions before their use in composite manufacturing. Effects of the aging on glass transition temperature, reactivity and processability have been investigated by calorimetry. Dynamic, isothermal and cure simulating tests have been performed to this aim. Results on toughened TGDDMDDS epoxy matrix prepregs are reported. A theoretical kinetic model proposed for the unaged system has been adapted for aged prepregs, by properly evaluating the variations of kinetic parameters with the aging time.