Time-temperature-transformation diagram of modified resol phenolic resin and the thermomechanical performance of resol phenolic resin/glass fabric composite

In this paper, modified resol phenolic resin (MPR) and its glass fabric prepreg (MPR/GF prepreg) were fabricated via a hot melt preimpregnated method. To optimize the curing schedule in curing completion, safe processing window, and storage stability conditions, time-temperature-transformation diagram dynamic rheological behavior of MPR was established based on such phenomenological changes as viscosity, gelation, and vitrification. The curing behavior of MPR/GF prepreg was further clarified using online monitored dynamic mechanical analysis. At last, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis tests were conducted to evaluate the thermomechanical properties of MPR/GF composite. The excellent thermomechanical performance of MPR/GF composite suggests the important role of time-temperature-transformation diagram in optimizing the curing cycle and the overall dynamic mechanical properties of the composite.