Title: High-Performance Properties of a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) Imide Oligomer Polymer Matrix

Authors: William C. Guzman, Levi Hamernik, and Jeffrey S. Wiggins

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.22.0073

Abstract: Polyimides have long been at the pinnacle of high-performance polymers due to their high glass transition temperatures (Tg), high char-yields, solvent resistance, and mechanical properties. More specifically, imide oligomer matrices such as phenylethynyl-terminated imide oligomers (PETI) matrices have taken the forefront of polymer matrix chemistry for high-temperature carbon fiber reinforced (CFR) composites. Despite significant advances in PETI matrices, there are still significant challenges to the processing of these types of materials. The necessity of using harsh solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) for solubility, or extra imidization processing steps required for high-temperature composite manufacturing can make complex geometry parts challenging to produce. One key advantage to imide oligomer matrices is their modularity leading to copious molecular design variations, wherein, imide oligomer matrices can be adapted to change processability and thermomechanical properties. Herein, we demonstrated that through the use of a unique aryl-ether-ketone (AEK) structure, a crystalline imide oligomer matrix can exhibit outstanding processability with viscosities < 10 Pa·S at 250-330 °C. The AEK imide oligomers not only meet the requirements for high-temperature resin transfer molding (RTM), but also maintained good thermomechanical properties, and high char yields. These aforementioned high-temperature materials can be applied in areas of high national importance, such as hypersonics and attritable aircraft.

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Conference: CAMX 2022

Publication Date: 2022/10/17

SKU: TP22-0000000073

Pages: 11

Price: $22.00