Curing Thermoset Polymers

Summary

This project was a joint effort between the Michigan State University Electromagnetics Research Group and the Materials Science Department.  This an instrument that allows for the precise controlled curing of thermoset polymers.  In summary the user microwaves the polymer until it cures.  In order to achieve this the transmitter must be on for a certain prescribed amount of time.  The polymer is cured in a resonant cavity.  The degree to which the polymer is cured can be determined by measuring the change in resonant frequency of that cavity.  Various lengths of curing and cooling have varying effects on the polymer.

Publications

G. L. Charvat, L. Zong, L. C. Kempel, M. Hawley.  “Improved Permittivity Characterization Method for Curing Thermoset Polymers.”  Newport Rhode Island:  Antennas Measurement Techniques Association conference, October 2005.

L. Zong, G. L. Charvat, L. C. Kempel.  “Automated Method for Characterizing Temperature Dependent Dielectric Materials.”  Atlanta Georgia:  Antennas Measurement Techniques Association conference, October 2004.