Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>A detailed characterization of a commercial‐filled unsaturated polyester molding compound has been carried out to determine the kinetics of cure and the rheological behavior of the material at various temperatures and shear rates. Molding experiments were conducted in a 2 1/3 oz, 68 ton reciprocating screw injection molding machine, in conjunction with a simple rectangular cavity. The cavity and nozzle were equipped with pressure transducers to determine, the variation of pressure with position throughout the injection molding cycle. The injection speed was determined with the help of a position transducer. Finally, the moldings were analyzed to determine the distribution of cure states and tensile properties in the molding at various cure times. Significant differences have been observed. It is expected that studies of this type should be helpful in obtaining a better understanding of the thermoset injection molding process and the development of mathematical models to simulate this process.</jats:p>