ABSTRACT
80For a large two-dimensional model of a system exhibiting cure reaction-induced microphase separation (CRIMPS), the evolution retardation scenario is realized independently of the initial conditions (either determinant or random). Long-lived structures play a decisive role in the process. Similarly to the one-dimensional case, the spinodal region is divided into sub-regions corresponding to soft and hard birth of spatial structures. Spinodal region upon rigid birth and metastable region may be considered within the same unifying description. Non-linear Cahn-Hilliard-de Gennes equation, which was earlier applied only to polymer blends in spinodal region, is shown to be suitable for the description of heterogeneous structures in the metastable region. The CRIMPS process proceeds according to a retardation scenario up to the gel point. The presence of the gel-point predetermines ‘fixation’ of an intermediate heterogeneous structure which seems to be thermodynamically stable.
