Kinetic model and thermal properties of a thermally cured thermosetting polycarbonate

Abstract

Diethylene gycol bis(allyl carbonate) is widely used for the production of optical plastic for lenses, safety glasses and guards, watch crystal, and instrument windows. The monomer polymerizes via a free radical mechanism using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator to form a thermosetting polycarbonate. This polymerization process involves a long cure cycle at temperature below 100°C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheometric dynamic testing are used to characterize the thermal and kinetic properties. These properties include the heat of reaction, activation energy, rate constants of polymerization, and time and extent of cure at gelation.