Rheological and heat‐transfer considerations for the processing of reactive systems

Thermosetting materials have found widespread use over a broad spectrum of engineering applications due to their intrinsic mechanical strength, thermal and dimensional stability, and other unique properties. Consideration is given to those aspects of reaction kinetics, rheology, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer which are of relevance for the mathematical modeling of reactive polymer processing. Particular emphasis is given to the characterization of reaction kinetics under non‐isothermal conditions, the effect of fillers or reinforcing agents on the heat transfer and kinetic behavior, and the complex nature of the interactions brought about by the reactivity of these systems. In addition, the current status of the mathematical simulation of reactive polymer processing is briefly reviewed.