Accurate models of epoxy cure reactions are essential for intelligent processing of polymer matrix composites. In the near-infrared region, the absorption peaks characteristic of the epoxide, secondary amine, and hydroxyl groups are well-isolated from neighboring absorptions. This enables epoxy resin cure reactions to be successfully monitored via in situ near-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. In order to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the reaction between epoxy resins and amines, various proposed mechanisms, and their corresponding rate equations, are considered herein. A model system comprised of phenyl glycidyl ether and methylaniline was used to obtain conversion rate data. The reaction mechanism was found;to be described fully by a two-parameter model. Arrhenius-type temperature dependencies were demonstrated for both rate constants. Activation energies of 16.5 +/- 1.4 and 13.1 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol were obtained for the uncatalyzed and catalyzed reactions, respectively.