Preparation and properties of bisphenol A‐based bis‐phthalonitrile composite laminates

A series of bisphenol A (BPA)‐based 2,2‐bis‐[4‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]propane (BAPh) prepolymers and polymers were prepared using BPA as a novel curing agent. Ultraviolet–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum were used to study the polymerization reaction mechanism of the BAPh/BPA polymers. The curing behaviors were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis, the results indicated that the BAPh/BPA prepolymers exhibit large processing windows (109.5–148.5°C) and low complex viscosity (0.1–1 Pa·s) at moderate temperature, respectively. Additionally, the BAPh/BPA/glass fiber (GF) composite laminates were manufactured and investigated. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite laminates are 548.7–632.8 MPa and 25.7–33.2 GPa, respectively. The thermal stabilities of BAPh/BPA/GF composite laminates were studied by thermogravimetry analysis. The temperatures at 5% weight loss (T_5%) of the composite laminates are 508.5–528.7°C in nitrogen and 508.1–543.2°C in air. In conclusion, the BAPh/BPA systems can be used as superior matrix materials for numerous advanced composite applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Curing behavior and processability of BMI/3‐APN system for advanced glass fiber composite laminates

The prepolymers containing bismaleimide (BMI) and 3‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile (3‐APN) were prepared through simple solution prepolymerization, and the corresponding curing behaviors and processability were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis. The results showed that the processability of the prepolymers could be controlled by temperature and time on processing, also depended on the relative content of 3‐APN and BMI. The possible curing reactions of the prepolymers were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which involved the Michael addition between BMI and 3‐APN and self‐polymerization of BMI or 3‐APN. The resulting polymers displayed high thermo‐oxidative stabilities (T_5% > 425 °C) and good adhesion capability. Furthermore, BMI/3‐APN systems were employed to prepare BMI/3‐APN/glass fiber (GF) composite laminates and their morphological, mechanical, and electrical stable properties were also investigated. The BMI/3‐APN/GF laminates exhibited the improvement of the mechanical properties (the maximum flexural strength is 633.5 MPa and flexural modulus is 38.7 GPa) compared with pristine BMI/GF laminates because of the strong interfacial adhesions between GF and matrices, which was confirmed with SEM observations. This study provides a concise strategy for diversifying the preparation of BMI/3‐APN prepolymers to obtain advanced GF composite laminates with various properties which have potential applications in industrial manufacture or electronic circuit, and so on. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43640.     

Effect of polyarylene ether nitriles on processing and mechanical behaviors of phthalonitrile‐epoxy copolymers and glass fiber laminated composites

A series of copolymers and glass fiber composites were successfully prepared from 2,2‐bis [4‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy) phenyl] propane (BAPh), epoxy resins E‐44 (EP), and polyarylene ether nitriles (PEN) with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone as curing additive. The gelation time was shortened from 25 min to 4 min when PEN content was 0 wt % and 15 wt %, respectively. PEN could accelerate the crosslinking reaction between the phthalonitrile and epoxy. The initial decomposition temperatures (T_i) of BAPh/EP copolymers and glass fiber composites were all more than 350°C in nitrogen. The T_g of 15 wt % PEN glass fiber composites increased by 21.2°C compared with that of in comparison with BAPh/EP glass fiber composite. The flexural strength of the copolymers and glass fiber composites reached 119.8 MPa and 698.5 MPa which increased by 16.6 MPa and 127.3 MPa in comparison with BAPh/EP composite, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Curing behaviors and properties of novolac/bisphthalonitrile blends

Bisphthalonitrile (BAPh) monomer was blended with novolac resins to achieve good processing resin blends. The curing behaviors of the novolac/BAPh (novolac/BAPh) blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic rheological analysis. The results indicated that the blends had large processing windows (98–118°C), and they can copolymerize without any other curing additives. The novolac/BAPh copolymers were obtained by short curing times and low curing temperatures. Thermal and thermal-oxidative stabilities of the copolymers were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis, and the char yields up to 74 and 35% by weight at 800°C were achieved under nitrogen and air atmosphere, respectively. These postcured copolymers exhibited a 5% weight loss temperature of 502°C in air. These results revealed that the copolymers exhibited excellent thermal and thermal-oxidative stabilities. Dynamic mechanical properties of the copolymers were systematically evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis. The copolymers exhibited higher glass transition temperatures (T_g) as the BAPh content increased. Mechanical properties of the copolymers were investigated, and these data showed that flexural strength and flexural modulus of the 50 : 50 novolac/BAPh copolymers were 91 MPa and 5.78 GPa, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Designing a low-temperature curable phenolic/benzoxazine-functionalized phthalonitrile copolymers for high performance composite laminates

A low-temperature curable phenolic/benzoxazine-functionalized phthalonitrile (SH/BZ-CN) copolymer system with well processability is designed and applied in high performance glass fiber (GF) composite laminates. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that plenty of phenolic hydroxyl groups on SH could catalyze the oxazine ring-opening and triazine/phthalonitrile ring-forming reaction of BZ-CN. The ring-opening peak and ring-forming peak of SH/BZ-CN systems are reduced by 47.1 °C and 17.0 °C than those of BZ-CN, respectively. The processability of SH/BZ-CN copolymers were improved and could be controlled by tuning SH content, processing temperature and time. These parameters provided ground for preparing SH/BZ-CN/GF composite laminates under a relatively mild condition. All SH/BZ-CN/GF composite laminates exhibit excellent flexural strength more than 500 MPa and flexural modulus over 22.0 Gpa. SH/BZ-CN/GF composites showed immiscible structures and double Tgs, and they could stand high temperature up to 350 °C. Low temperature curing, short processing time and low processing pressure are beneficial to large-scale manufacturing and application of SH/BZ-CN/GF composites.     

Mechanical and thermal enhancements of benzoxazine‐based GF composite laminated by in situ reaction with carboxyl functionalized CNTs

An easy and efficient approach by using carboxyl functionalized CNTs (CNT‐COOH) as nano reinforcement was reported to develop advanced thermosetting composite laminates. Benzoxazine containing cyano groups (BA‐ph) grafted with CNTs (CNT‐g‐BA‐ph), obtained from the in situ reaction of BA‐ph and CNT‐COOH, was used as polymer matrix and processed into glass fiber (GF)‐reinforced laminates through hot‐pressed technology. FTIR study confirmed that CNT‐COOH was bonded to BA‐ph matrices. The flexural strength and modulus increased from 450 MPa and 26.4 GPa in BA‐ph laminate to 650 MPa and 28.4 GPa in CNT‐g‐BA‐ph/GF composite, leading to 44 and 7.5% increase, respectively. The SEM image observation indicated that the CNT‐COOH was distributed homogeneously in the matrix, and thus significantly eliminated the resin‐rich regions and free volumes. Besides, the obtained composite laminates showed excellent thermal and thermal‐oxidative stabilities with the onset degradation temperature up to 624°C in N₂ and 522°C in air. This study demonstrated that CNT‐COOH grafted on thermosetting matrices through in situ reaction can lead to obvious mechanical and thermal increments, which provided a new and effective way to design and improve the properties of composite laminates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Effect of ortho‐diallyl bisphenol A on the processability of phthalonitrile‐based resin and their fiber‐reinforced laminates

Sluggish and narrow process window of phthalonitrile resin has tremendously limited their wide applications. In this work, a novel phthalonitrile containing benzoxazine (4,4′‐(((propane‐2,2‐diylbis (2H‐benzo [e] [1,3]oxazine‐6,3 (4H)‐diyl) bis(3,1‐phenylene))bis(oxy)) diphthalonitrile, BA‐ph) with ortho‐diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) was investigated. The processing window of the BA‐ph/DABPA blends were found from 50°C to 185°C, which was significantly broader than that of the pure BA‐ph (120–200°C). The composites were prepared through a curing process involving sequential polymerization of allyl moieties, ring‐opening polymerization of oxazine rings and ring‐forming polymerization of nitrile groups. BA‐ph/DABPA/GF(glass fiber) composite laminates were prepared in this study, and the composite laminate with BA‐ph/DABPA molar ratio of 2/2 showed an outstanding flexural strength and modulus of 560 MPa and 37 GPa, respectively, as well as a superior thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability up to 408 and 410°C. These outstanding properties suggest that the BA‐ph/DABPA/GF composites are suitable candidates as matrices for high performance composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:150–157, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of chlorinated soy oil based epoxy resin/glass fiber composites

Composites with good toughness properties were prepared from chemically modified soy epoxy resin and glass fiber without additional petroleum based toughening agent. Chlorinated soy epoxy (CSE) resin was prepared from soybean oil. The CSE was characterised by spectral, and titration method. The prepared CSE was blended with commercial epoxy resin in different ratios and cured at 85°C for 3 h, and post cured at 225°C for 2 h using m‐phenylene diamine (MPDA) as curing agent. The cure temperatures of epoxy/CSE/MPDA with different compositions were found to be in the range of (151.2–187.5°C). The composite laminates were fabricated using epoxy /CSE/MPDA‐glass fiber at different compositions. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength (248–299 MPa), tensile modulus (2.4–3.4 GPa), flexural strength (346–379 MPa), flexural modulus (6.3–7.8 GPa) and impact strength (29.7–34.2) were determined. The impact strength increased with the increase in the CSE content. The interlaminor fracture toughness (G_IC) values also increased from 0.6953 KJ/m² for neat epoxy resin to 0.9514 KJ/m² for 15%CSE epoxy‐modified system. Thermogravimetric studies reveal that the thermal stability of the neat epoxy resin was decreased by incorporation of CSE. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A novel high performance RTM resin based on benzoxazine

Resin transfer molding (RTM) has the potential to manufacture high quality, geometrically complex composite parts. Benzoxazine is a new kind of high performance composite matrix. It can be polymerized with a ring‐opening reaction without releasing volatiles. In this article, a novel RTM resin made from aromatic diamine, phenol and formaldehyde is reported. The viscosity and curing behavior of the RTM resin as well as the properties of the cured neat resin and fiber reinforced composite were investigated. The resin has a viscosity lower than 0.5 Pa · s after 4 hr at 100°C, and can be cured at 180°C. The tensile strength, modulus, and elongation of the cast resin are 94 MPa, 4.6 GPa, and 2.2%, respectively. The flexural strength and modulus of the cast resin are 160 MPa and 4.9 GPa. The flexural strength and modulus of its glass fiber laminate are 662 MPa and 30 GPa. It is very easy to control the viscosity and curing rate of the RTM resin through the addition of reactive dilute agents and catalysts according to the requirement of RTM processing. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:563–571, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Glass fibers reinforced poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites: Structure,mechanical, and thermal properties

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was blended with glass fibers (GFs)‐filled poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) composites to improve the impact properties of PEN. The impact strength of PEN/EPDM/GF composite (PEN/EPDM = 60/40) was about 62 J/m, which was nearly four times higher than the PEN/GF composite without EPDM. At the same time, the tensile strength and flexural modulus were still maintained at considerable values since the GFs compensated the loss of mechanical properties of PEN by incorporation of EPDM. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the GFs were orientated and homogenously dispersed in the PEN matrix and, after incorporation of EPDM, the surface of GFs were covered by a matrix layer which became coarse and thick with increasing EPDM content. The dynamic mechanical analysis results showed the poor compatibility between PEN and EPDM. The thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that the PEN matrix protected the dispersed EPDM domains, resulting in an increased maximum peak temperature (T_max) of the EPDM phase. At last, the results of differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that incorporation of EPDM led to an increase in crystallization rate and improvement in crystallization temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:939–947, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Microstructure and mechanical properties improvement of the Nextel™ 610 fiber reinforced alumina composite

The alumina slurry with high solid content was prepared, and a rapid lamination route for fabricate the Nextel? 610 fiber reinforced alumina composite was proposed in this work. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the as-received all-oxide composite were investigated by a series of techniques. The shrinkage cracks in matrix were reduced, while porous structure in composite was maintained. The N610/alumina composite has weak matrix and weak interface, as the Young’s modulus of the alumina matrix and the interfacial shear strength of the composite are 140.8±2.5GPa and 129.1±14.6MPa. The mechanical properties of the composite are much higher than lots of oxide/oxide composites, given its flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength and the fracture toughness are 398.4±5.7MPa、27.0±0.5MPa and 14.1±0.9MPa·m^1/2, respectively. The flexural strength of the virgin composite keep stable at 25–1050 °C, while dramatically decrease at 1100–1200 °C.     

Hot compaction of polyethylene naphthalate

In this article, we describe the production of single polymer composites from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) multifilaments by using the hot compaction process. In this process, developed at Leeds University, highly oriented tapes or fibers are processed at a critical temperature such that a small fraction of the surface of each oriented element is melted, which on cooling recrystallizes to form the matrix of the composite. This process is, therefore, a way to produce novel high‐volume fraction polymer/polymer composites where the two phases are chemically the same material. A variety of experimental techniques, including mechanical tests and differential scanning calorimetry, were used to examine the mechanical properties and morphology of the compacted PEN sheets. Bidirectional (0/90) samples were made at a range of compaction temperatures chosen to span the melting range of the PEN multifilaments (268–276°C). Measurement of the mechanical properties of these samples, specifically the in‐plane modulus and strength, allowed the optimum compaction temperature to be ascertained (～ 271°C), and hence, the optimum mechanical properties. The optimum compacted PEN sheets were found to have an initial modulus close to 10 GPa and a strength of just over 200 MPa. The glass transition temperature of the optimum compacted sheets was measured to be 150°C, nearly 40°C higher than compacted poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) sheets. In previous work on polypropylene and PET hot compacted materials, it proved instructive to envisage these materials as a composite where the original oriented multifilaments are regarded as the reinforcing phase, and the melted and recrystallized material are regarded as the matrix phase. Dynamic mechanical bending tests (DMTA) were used here to confirm this for PEN. DMTA tests were carried out on the original fibers and on a sample of completely melted material to determine the fiber and matrix properties, respectively. The composite properties were then predicted by using a simple rule of mixtures and this was found to be in excellent agreement with the magnitude and measured temperature dependence of the hot compacted PEN material. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 796–802, 2004     

Effect of polyphenylene sulfide containing amino unit on thermal and mechanical properties of polyphenylene sulfide/glass fiber composites

Three kinds of high‐molecular‐weight compatibilizers [copoly(1,4‐phenylene sulfide)‐poly(2,5‐phenylene sulfide amine)] (PPS‐NH₂) containing different proportions of amino units in the side chain) were synthesized by the reaction of dihalogenated monomer and sodium sulfide via nucleophilic substitution polymerization under high pressure. The intrinsic viscosity of the obtained copolymers was 0.354–0.489 dL/g and they were found to have good thermal performance with melting point (T_m) of 271.3–281.0 °C and initial degradation temperature (T_d) of 490.0–495.7 °C. There was an excellent physical compatibility between PPS‐NH₂ and the pure industrial PPS. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis and macro‐ and micromechanical test showed that the selective compatibilizer PPS‐NH₂ (1.0) (1.0% mol aminated ratio) can improve the mechanical and interfacial properties of polyphenylene sulfide/glass fiber (PPS/GF) composite. The macro‐optimal tensile strength, Young's modulus, bending strength, and notched impact strength of 5%PPS‐NH₂ (1.0)/PPS/GF composite raised up to 141 MPa, 1.98 GPa, 203 MPa, and 6.15 kJ/m², which increased 12.8%, 9.4%, 4.1%, and 13.8%, respectively, comparing with the pure PPS/GF composite (125 MPa, 1.81 GPa, 195 MPa, and 5.40 kJ/m², respectively). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45804.     

Thermoplastic composites based on poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) and basalt woven fabrics: Static and dynamic mechanical properties

Composites based on poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) and basalt woven fabrics have been investigated with the aim to develop composites with a minimum service temperature of 100°C. Laminates have been manufactured by using the film‐stacking technique. A very low void content and a good fabric impregnation has been obtained as confirmed by the morphological analysis performed with scanning electron microscopy. Static flexural modulus and strength have been measured at 20, 60, and 100°C and compared with the dynamic mechanical behavior, evaluated from −100 to 220°C. A very good agreement has been detected between static and dynamic tests, proving that the dynamic mechanical analysis can be used to estimate the flexural modulus in a wide temperature range. Poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)/basalt composites have exhibited (at 20°C) a flexural modulus and strength as high as 20 GPa and 320 MPa, respectively. The flexural modulus and the flexural strength at 100°C have been found to be equal to 18 GPa and 230 MPa, confirming that this system can retain very good mechanical properties at a service temperature of 100°C. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2549–2556, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and properties of biocomposites composed of epoxidized soybean oil,tannic acid,and microfibrillated cellulose

As a new biobased epoxy resin system, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was cured with tannic acid (TA) under various conditions. When the curing conditions were optimized for the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties, the most balanced properties were obtained when the system was cured at 210°C for 2 h at an epoxy/hydroxyl ratio of 1.0/1.4. The tensile strength and modulus and tan δ peak temperature measured by dynamic mechanical analysis for the ESO–TA cured under the optimized condition were 15.1 MPa, 458 MPa, and 58°C, respectively. Next, we prepared biocomposites of ESO, TA, and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with MFC contents from 5 to 11 wt % by mixing an ethanol solution of ESO and TA with MFC and subsequently drying and curing the composites under the optimized conditions. The ESO–TA–MFC composites showed the highest tan δ peak temperature (61°C) and tensile strength (26.3 MPa) at an MFC content of 9 wt %. The tensile modulus of the composites increased with increasing MFC content and reached 1.33 GPa at an MFC content of 11 wt %. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that MFC was homogeneously distributed in the matrix for the composite with an MFC content of 9 wt %, whereas some aggregated MFC was observed in the composite with 11 wt % MFC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of processing conditions on physical properties of 3‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile/epoxy laminates

To develop high performances of polymer composite laminates, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis studies were conducted to show curing behaviors of 3‐aminophenoxyphthalonitrile/epoxy resin (3‐APN/EP) matrix and define cure parameters of manufacturing processes. Glass fiber reinforced 3‐APN/EP (GF/3‐APN/EP) composite laminates were successfully prepared through different processing conditions with three parameters such as pressures, temperatures, and time. Based on flexure tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope, the complementary catalytic effect of the three processing parameters is investigated by studying mechanical behavior, thermomechanical behavior, thermal behavior, and fracture morphology of GF/3‐APN/EP laminates. The 50/50 GF/3‐APN/EP laminates showed a significant improvement in flexural strength, glass transition temperature (T_g), and thermal stability with favorable processing parameters. It was also found that the T_g and thermal stability were significantly improved by the postheated treatment method. The effect of manufacturing process provides a new and simple route for the polymer–matrix composites application, which indicates that the composites can be manufactured at low temperatures. But, they can be used in a high temperature environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39746.     

Novel thermosetting resins for SMC applications from linseed oil: Synthesis,characterization, and properties

New thermosetting resins for applications of sheet‐molding compounds (SMCs) were successfully synthesized from linseed oil, which is the most molecularly unsaturated of all plant oils. The carbon–carbon double bonds were opened by epoxidation, followed by acrylation, and then maleinization, which provided more crosslink sites and added acid functionality on the triglyceride molecules to develop thickening. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of these new polymers was approximately 2.5 GPa at 30°C, and the glass‐transition temperature was above 100°C. During maturation the resins reached a molding viscosity quickly and stayed stable. Mechanical tests showed a flexural strength of 100 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2.8 GPa. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a single degradation ranging from 300°C–480°C, which was a result of the carbonization of the crosslinked network. These bio‐based resins are promising as replacements of some petroleum‐based resins in the SMC industry. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Effect of interphase on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures

Interphase between the fibers and matrix plays a key role on the properties of fiber reinforced composites. In this work, the effect of interphase on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D C_f/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures was investigated. When PyC interphase is used, flexural strength and elastic modulus of the C_f/SiBCN composites decrease seriously at 1600°C (92 ± 15 MPa, 12 ± 2 GPa), compared with the properties at room temperature (371 ± 31 MPa, 31 ± 2 GPa). While, the flexural strength and elastic modulus of C_f/SiBCN composites with PyC/SiC multilayered interphase at 1600°C are as high as 330 ± 7 MPa and 30 ± 2 GPa, respectively, which are 97% and 73% of the values at room temperature (341 ± 20 MPa, 41 ± 2 GPa). To clarify the effect mechanism of the interphase on mechanical properties of the C_f/SiBCN composites at elevated temperature, interfacial bonding strength (IFBS) and microstructures of the composites were investigated in detail. It reveals that the PyC/SiC multilayered interphase can retard the SiBCN matrix degradation at elevated temperature, leading to the high strength retention of the composites at 1600°C.     

Development and application of triglyceride-based polymers and composites

Triglyceride oils derived from plants have been used to synthesize several different monomers for use in structural applications. These monomers have been found to form polymers with a wide range of physical properties. They exhibit tensile moduli in the 1–2 GPa range and glass transition temperatures in the range 70–120 °C, depending on the particular monomer and the resin composition. Composite materials were manufactured utilizing these resins and produced a variety of durable and strong materials. At low glass fiber content (35 wt %), composites produced from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil by resin transfer molding displayed a tensile modulus of 5.2 GPa, a flexural modulus of 9 GPa, a tensile strength of 129 MPa, and flexural strength of 206 MPa. At higher fiber contents (50 wt %) composites produced from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil displayed tensile and compression moduli of 24.8 GPa each, and tensile and compressive strengths of 463.2 and 302.6 MPa, respectively. In addition to glass fibers, natural fibers such as flax and hemp were used. Hemp composites of 20% fiber content displayed a tensile strength of 35 MPa and a tensile modulus of 4.4 GPa. The flexural modulus was ∼2.6 GPa and the flexural strength was in the range 35.7–51.3 MPa, depending on the test conditions. The flax composite materials had tensile and flexural strengths in the ranges 20–30 and 45–65 MPa, respectively. The properties exhibited by both the natural- and synthetic fiber-reinforced composites can be combined through the production of “hybrid” composites. These materials combine the low cost of natural fibers with the high performance of synthetic fibers. Their properties lie between those displayed by the all-glass and all-natural composites. Characterization of the polymer properties also presents opportunities for improvement through genetic engineering technology. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 703–723, 2001     

Preparation and properties of glass cloth‐reinforced polyimide composites with improved impact toughness for microelectronics packaging substrates

A series of glass cloth‐reinforced thermosetting polyimide composites (EG/HTPI) were prepared from E‐glass cloth (EG) and polyimide matrix resins. The polyimide resins were derived from 1,4‐bis(4‐amino‐2‐ trifluoromethyl‐phenoxy)benzene, p‐phenylenediamine, diethyl ester of 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid, and monoethyl ester of cis‐5‐norbornene‐endo‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid. Based on the rheological properties of the B‐staged polyimide resins, the optimized molding cycles were designed to fabricate the EG/HTPI laminates and the copper‐clad laminates (Cu/EG/HTPI). Experimental results indicated that the EG/HTPI composites exhibited high thermal stability and outstanding mechanical properties. They had flexural strength of >534 MPa, flexural modulus of >20.0 GPa, and impact toughness of >46.9 kJ/m². The EG/HTPI composites also showed good electrical and dielectric properties. Moreover, the EG/HTPI laminates exhibited peel strength of ～ 1.2 N/mm and great isothermal stability at 288°C for 60 min, showing good potential for application in high density packaging substrates. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010