| Abstract: | A novel diimidodialcohol monomer, 1,4‐bis2′‐trifluoromethyl‐4′‐(4″‐glycolformate)‐ trimellitimidophenoxy]benzene (BGTB), was synthesized and characterized. It was reacted with isophthalic acid, maleic anhydride and propylene glycol to produce a novel unsaturated poly(ester‐imide) (BGTB‐UPEI) with imide and trifluoromethyl groups in the polymer backbone. The BGTB‐UPEI resin was diluted with reactive monomer (styrene) to give a low‐viscous poly(ester‐imide)/styrene (BGTB‐UPEI/St) mixed solution, which was then thermally cured to yield thermosetting BGTB‐UPEI/St composite. The effect of processing parameters such as the curing temperature and curing time, reactive monomer concentration and initiator amount on the curing reaction was systematically investigated. Experimental results indicated that the thermally cured BGTB‐UPEI/St composite exhibited much better thermal, mechanical, electrical insulating properties and chemical resistance than the standard unsaturated polyester/polystyrene composite. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry |
