Phenolic triazine (PT) resins. I. Gelation phenomenon studied by calorimetric,mechanical, and dielectric techniques

Gelation phenomenon in thermoset polymers is an area of extreme importance from the processing point of view. Gel point (GP) has traditionally been detected using rheological and mechanical techniques. We wish to report the use of dielectric and especially calorimetric techniques for detecting GP. Using a particular thermoset system, we have compared the calorimetric, dielectric, and mechanical techniques and shown how to define GP in terms of time and temperature. As a matter of convenience, we have briefly defined the gelation phenomenon in thermosets, its significance and measurement, and a critical evaluation of the techniques for detecting GP.