Abstract: | This article describes the synthesis and characterization of several methyl nadimides endcapped resins based on tris(3-aminophenyl)phosphine oxide. These resins were prepared by reacting methyl-5-norbornene 2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (methyl nadic anhydride) (MNA), pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA)/3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA)/2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6F), and tris(3-aminophenyl)phosphine oxide (TAP) in glacial acetic acid/acetone. Structural characterization of the resins was done by elemental analysis, IR, and 1H-NMR. Thermal characterization of uncured resins using DSC and TGA techniques revealed an exothermic transition accompanied by a weight loss in the temperature range of 200–350°C. Residual weight at 800°C in nitrogen was found to be 47–55%. Isothermal curing of the resins was done at 340°C for 1 h in an air atmosphere. The cured resins were stable up to 400 ± 20°C. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |