A finite-width front model for BADGE frontal polymerization

Analysis of frontal dynamics during thermal polymerization was performed using an extension of the Spade and Volpert theory [C. A. Spade and V. A. Volpert, Combust. Theory Modell. 5, 21-39 (2001)]. The theory considers a reaction front of finite width, enabling a more realistic description of the temporal temperature evolution at a fixed point in a unidirectionally propagating reaction front. The predicted temperature profiles were compared with experimental thermocouple data obtained during frontal polymerization of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). By combining theoretical and experimental approaches, key thermal and kinetic parameters specific to the BADGE-based polymerization mixture were estimated.