Catalyst selection and optimization of curing process for benzoxazine binders

The process of benzoxazine resin curing in the presence of various catalysts was investigated. The catalytic activities were compared to identify the catalyst that most effectively reduced the benzoxazine curing temperature. The effect of the catalyst content on the curing of benzoxazine was assessed. The activation energies for the curing process were determined. The curing kinetics parameters were calculated from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data using Thermokinetics3 software. The possibility to control the temperature front and conversion of the binder through layer-by-layer changing of its composition (by varying the content of the catalyst in the benzoxazine system) across the thickness of the product, and thus altering the binder reactivity, was demonstrated. Based on the results obtained, a single-stage curing mode of benzoxazine binder that shortens the curing cycle through composite molding under dynamic heating conditions was singled out.