Requirements, matrix resins

StructurPly I and II by Multi-Axial are thermoplastic matrix resin prepregs used in the construction of primary-load-carrying composite structures. Unlike the few hours typically required by the thermoset resin materials to cure, StructurPly needs a few minutes at 196°C. 

Cured Bisbenzocyclobutene (BCB) terminated resin systems exhibit good mechanical properties with 70Z to 85X retention of properties at 260 C and high thermal stability. The Materials Laboratory has studied these materials for use as high temperature structural matrix resins in composites. They are well suited for this use since they do not require the use of catalysts and cure without the evolution of volatiles. 

Following this initial period of polyimide development, interest reached a steady-state and remained there until the late 1970s. During this time a major impetus to the polyimide area was provided by the aerospace industry. The need for composite matrix resins as well as structural adhesives with excellent oxidative and thermal stability appeared to be at least partially met by polyimide type resins. Ultimately, requirements of high flow and low void content in relatively thick parts directed these efforts into different directions. Another upswing occurred in the early 1980s with the potential application of... 

Throughout this chapter the chemical concepts employed to synthesize and cure addition poly(imides) have been discussed and their use as matrix resins for fiber composites has frequently been mentioned. The most important property of the imide backbone structure is the inherent thermal stability. The target of achieving the temperature performance of linear poly(imide) has not been reached, because of the aliphatic nature of the reactive endgroups, and because of the low molecular weight of the imide backbone required for processing. Future developments of addition polyimides will, as in the past, focus on the requirement of high thermal and thermal oxidative stability of the crosslinked... 

The performance of the resist is controlled through the chemistries associated with each component. Using one 193-nanometer resist concept as an example, each component—the matrix resin, the dissolution inhibitor, and the photoacid generator—must be designed to be compatible with each other, but equally importantly, they must be compatible with the overall device fabrication process. Table 3.1 lists a number of materials requirements and the associated desired molecular characteristics. 

Examples of the matrix resins employed for SRIM include rigid polyurethane (7,15, 16), or urethane-modified isocyanurate foam (9, 26, 35, 36). The matrix resins for foamed composites are required to have low viscosity and relatively slow cream time for better impregnation into fiber mat and fast-cure cycle time for higher j oductivity. 

Although they are not elastomers, other phosphazenes also offer potential In areas requiring heat and fire resistance. Mixed fluoroalkoxy - aryloxy substituted cyclic phosphazenes are currently attracting Interest for fire resistant fluid applications (46). In other studies, cyclophosphazene matrix resins have been prepared which have potential for high temperature adhesive applications (47) and as composite matrix materials (48). These studies serve to further demonstrate the enhanced thermal stability and fire resistance which can be achieved with these phosphorus - nitrogen systems. 

The solution dip and solution spray impregnation techniques work with a matrix resin dissolved in a volatile carrier. The low viscosity of the resin solution allows good penetration of the reinforcing fiber bundles with resin. In solution dipping, the fiber, in yam or fabric form, is passed through the resin solution and picks up an amount of solids dependent upon the speed of through-put and the solids level. With solution spraying, on the other hand, the required amount of resin formulation is metered directly... 

Forming an optimal molding may require the addition of an external or internal lubricant to the formulation. Lubricants arc added in only small amounts, up to 1 wt %. External lubricants are insoluble in the phenohe matrix resin and are often non- polar materials such as parafiins and waxes. External lubricants act as mold release agents. In contrast, internal lubricants improve melt homogeneity, lower viscosity, and lower injection pressure. Therefore, internal lubricants such as fatty alcohols, fatty acid salts, acid esters, and acid amides must be fully soluble in the phenohe prepolymer [1]. 

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