PMR polyimide composites for aerospace applications

Fiber reinforced PMR polyimides are finding increased acceptance as engineering materials for high performance structural applications. Prepreg materials based on this novel class of highly processable, high temperature resistant polyimides, are commercially available and the PMR concept was incorporated in several industrial applications. The status of PMR polyimides is reviewed. Emphasis is given to the chemistry, processing, and applications of the first generation PMR polyimides known as PMR-15

Processable high temperature resistant polymer matrix materials

Studies conducted with addition-type polyimides are reviewed with emphasis on the development of the Polymerization of Monomer Reactants (PMR) approach, in which PMR occurs on the surface of the reinforcing fibers

Status review of PMR polyimides

The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides are reviewed. Synthesis, processing, and applications were considered, using prepreg materials based on processable, high temperature resistant polyimides

Surface protection of graphite fabric/PMR-15 composites subjected to thermal oxidation

Graphite fabric/PMR-15 laminates develop matrix cracks during long-term exposure in air at temperatures in the range of 500 to 600 F. This study was performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating graphite mat surface plies as a means of reducing the developing of matrix cracks. Celion 3000 graphite fabric/PMR-15 laminates were fabricated with graphite or graphite mat/325-mesh boron powder surface plies. Laminates without mat surface plies were also fabricated for control purposes. Composite flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strength were determined at 288 C before and after long-term exposure (up to 1500 hr) in air at 316 C. The results of this study showed that the incorporation of graphite mat surface plies reduces matrix cracking and improves the elevated temperature mechanical property retention characteristics of the composites

Low temperature cross linking polyimides

A polyimide is formed by cross linking a prepolymer formed by reacting a polyfunctional ester, a polyfunctional amine, and an end-capping unit. By providing an end-capping unit, the prepolymer is curable at a relatively low temperature of about 175 to 245 C

Tailor making high performance graphite fiber reinforced PMR polyimides

Studies have demonstrated versatility of PMR approach for tailor making polyimide matrix resins with side range of flow characteristics. By simply adjusting molar ratio of reactants in monomer mixture, resins having flow values of as much as 20% can be achieved

Technique for the polymerization of monomers for PPQ/graphite fiber composites

Impregnation of fiber prior to appreciable polymerization completely eliminates impregnation problems encountered with use of high viscosity high molecular weight polyphenylquinoxalines (PPQ) solutions. Major part of polymerization of reactant mixture is conducted on fiber during solvent removal and final curing stages

Preparation of polyimides from mixtures of monomeric diamines and esters of polycarboxylic acids

Polyimides having high thermal and oxidative stability are prepared by the reaction of a mixture of monomers comprising (1) a dialkyl or tetraalkyl ester of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid; (2) an aromatic diamine; and (3) a monoalkyl or dialkyl ester of a dicarboxylic acid where in the ratio of a:b:c is n:(n+1):2, wherein n has a value from 1 to 20. The mixture of monomers is prepared in a 30 to 70 percent by weight solution of an organic solvent, a substrate impregnated with the solution and heated at 50 to 205 C to remove said solvent and form a low molecular weight prepolymer, and thereafter heated at 275 to 350 C to cure to a high molecular weight polyimide

Thermally stable polyimides from solutions of monomeric reactants

Monomer solutions have high solubility and low solution viscosity. Since monomers are shipped in powder form and reaction to polyimide-acid prepolymer is omitted, the cost is low and handling is easy

Curing agent for polyepoxides and epoxy resins and composites cured therewith

A curing for a polyepoxide is described which contains a divalent aryl radical such as phenylene a tetravalent aryl radical such as a tetravalent benzene radical. An epoxide is cured by admixture with the curing agent. The cured epoxy product retains the usual properties of cured epoxides and, in addition, has a higher char residue after burning, on the order of 45% by weight. The higher char residue is of value in preventing release to the atmosphere of carbon fibers from carbon fiber-epoxy resin composites in the event of burning of the composite