Fundamentals of Infrared Heating and Their Application in Thermosetting Polymer Curing: A Review

Abstract

Thermosetting polymers offer a wide range of applications in modern industries, including coatings, the automotive and aerospace industries, and furniture manufacturing. The curing process, which is a key step in the application of such materials, has become a research hotspot. More specifically, significant research efforts have been devoted toward shortening the curing cycle and reducing curing energy consumption without affecting product quality. Two common curing methods, namely, infrared (IR) curing and hot air convection curing, have been commonly employed. IR curing technology demonstrates certain advantages, such as high energy efficiency and adaptability, compared to traditional convection curing technology. Moreover, it has achieved desirable results in engineering applications and research. In this review, the current research on IR curing technology is presented in detail based on two fundamental aspects: the heat transfer process and the curing process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the IR curing heat transfer process in terms of IR heating equipment, heat transfer monitoring devices, heat transfer models, and heat transfer simulation methods. Moreover, it summarizes and compares the basic research methods, equipment, and theoretical models involved in the curing process. In addition, it describes the non-thermal effect and its impact on the properties of cured products. This study describes the author’s perspective and opinions on the research direction in IR radiation-based curing technology. This literature review concludes that IR curing technology has strong research value and application prospects, particularly in fields requiring low-temperature rapid curing of thermosetting polymers.