Dicyandiamide precipitation in epoxy solutions and latex dispersions: threshold concentration analysis using a two-stage drying model

We examined drying in solventborne and waterborne latex impregnating resins using gravimetric methods, focusing on the precipitation of dicyandiamide (DICY) curing agent during coalescence, in neat resin films and glass-reinforced composites. A two-stage drying model was applied to the drying data yielding a threshold concentration for DICY surface segregation in latex epoxy to be between 3 and 4.5 wt%. Faster drying kinetics correlated with reduced surface DICY segregation. Drying model results show the rapid coalescence of both a ‘skin’ layer in the drying latex and trapped DICY within the lattice before its conveyance to the surface by percolating water. The presence of dispersed obstructions led to deviations from the latex drying model, particularly at higher DICY concentrations as more DICY crystallized.