This review is devoted primarily to coverage of the range of techniques used for cure monitoring, grouped in terms of the properties measured: thermal, mechanical, electrical and optical. Laboratory analysis is also discussed, but the emphasis is on practical application. Consideration is also given to topics such as process modeling, off-line cure assessment, and quality control. This reference tool contains 330 abstracts from Rapra's Polymer Library database.

From the Introduction: “...For the purpose of this review, cure monitoring has been defined as the on-line or in-line assessment of the degree-of-cure. That is, the degree-of-cure is evaluated either on the product or in parallel with production. This definition is considered to be equivalent to real-time cure monitoring; a phrase is preferred by some authors...”

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Techniques Monitoring Thermal Properties

Techniques Monitoring Mechanical Properties

Techniques Monitoring Electrical Properties

Techniques Monitoring Optical Properties

Implementation of Cure Monitoring

The Way Ahead for Cure Monitoring

Additional References

Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database

Subject Index

Company Index