Guest Post by Dr. R. Bruce Prime In previous posts we showed how to begin a kinetic study and one means to measure activation energy E. Here we show how DSC may be used to measure the parameters in the rate equations, a and da/dt, that can lead to elucidation of the entire rate equation, including another means to measure E. Because DSC gives a direct measure of both the ... [Click to Continue...]

  Thanks to all our veterans and current active duty military.  We are all deeply indebted to your service to preserve our freedom.   An additional thanks to my son-in-law Sergeant Nate Holmes, USMC, an active duty Marine who served two deployments in Iraq and is currently serving in Southern California.   ... [Click to Continue...]

Guest post by Dr. R. Bruce Prime In Part 2 of this series we introduced the concept of multiple heating rate kinetics. Here we delve into the details of this method, both the principles and how it can be used to measure not only the activation energy (E) but also the constancy of E as a function of conversion, Ea. Following the survey DSC at 10°C/min the next recommended step ... [Click to Continue...]

Post by Dr. R. Bruce Prime In the previous post we gave an introduction to cure kinetics. Here we show how to begin a kinetic study. Whether it is getting a quick feel for how much time to allow for an adhesive to cure at a given temperature or delineating the complete kinetic equation, a survey DSC, e.g. at 10°C/min, is always the recommended first step. A heat-cool-heat run ... [Click to Continue...]

Wishing all of our readers a safe and Happy Halloween!   PS: Dr. Prime will continue his series on cure kinetics on Monday.  More good stuff to come!   ... [Click to Continue...]