A phenylethynyl-terminated imide resin matrix (PETI-5) was selected as the candidate material for scale-up in a high-speed civil transport plane airframe application. The processability of a PETI-5 composite was investigated. Unidirectional prepregs were made through the coating of an N-methylpyrrolidone solution of an amide acid oligomer (PETAA-5/NMP) onto unsized IM7 fibers. Two batches of prepregs were used: one was made by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in house, and the other was from an industrial source. The composite processing robustness was investigated with respect to the prepreg shelf life, the effect of B-staging conditions, and the optimal processing window. The prepreg rheology and open hole compression (OHC) strengths were not to affected by prolonged ambient storage (i.e., up to 60 days). Rheological measurements indicated that the PETAA-5/NMP processability was only slightly affected over a wide range of B-stage temperatures (from 250 to 300 C). The OHC strength values were statistically indistinguishable among laminates consolidated under various B-staging conditions. An optimal processing window was established with response surface methodology. The IM7/PETAA-5/NMP prepreg was more sensitive to the consolidation temperature than to the pressure. A good consolidation was achievable at 371 C (700 F)/100 psi, which yielded a room-temperature OHC strength of 62 ksi. However, the processability declined dramatically at temperatures below 350 C (662 F), as evidenced by the OHC strength values. The processability of the IM7/PETI-5 prepreg was robust.
Processing robustness for a phenylethynyl-terminated polyimide composite
Journal of Applied Polymer Science ; 100 , 4 ; 3212-3221
2006
10 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 7 Tabellen, 11 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
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