ABSTRACT
Frequency-dependent electromagnetic sensors (FDEMS) dielectric measurements using in situ microsensors is a particularly useful technique for monitoring the changing state of a polymer during synthesis and cure and as a composite or as a coating during fabrication and aging in the application environment [1-5]. Measurements can be made in the laboratory and in the manufacturing environment to monitor the polymerization process and to monitor durability and aging in an environmental chamber or in the degradative environment. Dielectric in situ microsensor monitoring techniques can be used to monitor cure in production ovens and autoclaves on the plant fl oor as well as in the fi eld environment, for example, monitoring cure of coatings on the surface of a ship in dry dock. Durability and aging can be monitored while the object is in use. Examples are a marine coating on a ship, the protective coating on the liner of an acid containing tank, a rocket propellant, an adhesive in a bond joint, or the polymer in a composite structure.
