DETERMINATION OF THE STRESSES AND PROPERTIES OF POLYMER COATINGS.

Abstract

New techniques such as Impulse Viscoelasticity and a 'vibrational wave' method are used to characterize the solidification process in polymer coatings. In general, solidification may be the result of polymerization, crystallization, or solvent removal. Many of the rheological and mechanical properties associated with these processes can be measured or calculated. Most notable among these is the determination of the stresses developed during solidification. In particular, residual stresses due to solvent evaporation in poly(amic acid) films (precursors to polyimide films) and the curing of thermosetting systems were investigated.