Atsuomi Shundo

Decoupling between macroscopic densification and molecular structural evolution across gelation in cross-linked polymer networks

Cure-induced shrinkage in thermosetting polymers is generally assumed to reflect progressive densification during network formation. Here, we show that this assumption breaks down at gelation, which marks a transition in structural evolution. Using a model epoxy system, direct shrinkage measurements, wide-angle X-ray s...