No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
In an effort to improve the processing characteristics of addition-type polyimide matrix resins, the use of flexibilized three-ring and four-ring aryl diamines was investigated. A series of fourteen diamines containing carbonyl and methylene, as well as thio connecting groups was synthesized. The diamines were polymerized with the dimethyl ester of 3,3,′4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid, using the monomethyl ester of nadic acid as an end cap. The effect of diamine structure on the solubility and rheological properties during cure, as well as glass transition temperature and thermooxidative stability of neat resins was determined. Graphite fiber-reinforced composites were fabricated from selected resin formulations, and composite thermomechanical properties were investigated.