Phase separation time/temperature dependence of some thermoplastics- modified thermosetting systems

The phase separation processes of various thermoplastics-modified thermosetting systems which show upper critical solution temperature (UCST) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) were studied with emphasis on the temperature dependency of the phase separation times. It was found that the phase separation time-temperature relationship follows the Arrhenius equation. The cure-induced phase separation activation energy E _a (ps) generated from the equation is independent of the method used to measure phase separation time. In our experimental ranges it is found that E _a (ps) is independent of the thermoplastic (TP) content, TP molecular weight and curing rate but it varies with the cure reaction kinetics and the chemical environments of the systems.