1992 Volume 65 Issue 1 Pages 29-34
Numerical studies on curing states under unsteady cure conditions in the vulcanization process of rubber goods were attempted in order to evaluate curing states precisely. In detail, a numerical model as a function of cure time, having a parameter of cure temperature, was presented for cure curves on oscillating curemeter. Having obtained this model, FEM analysis of heat transfer problem is expected to estimate the curing states under arbitrary cure conditions, quantitatively.
In the present paper, the cure curves on oscillating curemeter at three cure temperatures (125, 145, 165°C) are analyzed numerically, as an initial approach of this study. The numerical model for relative cure states is proposed to apply to logarithmic normal probability distribution type function approximately. The model is disclosed to be applicable to the phenomenal analysis of cure curves. As this model is based on the percentage of torque value on curing test, relative cure states, the estimated value should be necessary to be related to the practical cure states by solvent swelling test. The solvent swelling data relating to equilibrium state were obtained at several points on each cure curves. As a result, it is clarified that the relative curing state is approximated to have a negative correlation with swelling data within the range of the experiment.
