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Orell, M. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Orell, M. K..

Improved high-temperature resistant matrix resins

A study was performed with the objective of developing matrix resins that exhibit improved thermo-oxidative stability over state-of-the-art high temperature resins for use at temperatures up to 644 K (700 F) and air pressures up to 0.7 MPa (100 psia). The work was based upon a TRW discovered family of polyimides currently licensed to and marketed by Ethyl Corporation as EYMYD(R) resins. The approach investigated to provide improved thermo-oxidative properties was to use halogenated derivatives of the diamine, 2, 2-bis (4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl) hexafluoropropane (4-BDAF). Polyimide neat resins and Celion(R) 12,000 composites prepared from fluorine substituted 4-BDAF demonstrated unexpectedly lower glass transition temperatures (Tg) and thermo-oxidative stabilities than the baseline 4-BDAF/PMDA polymer.

Green, H. E.↗

Synthesis of improved moisture resistant polymers

The use of difluoromaleimide-capped prepolymers to provide improved moisture resistant polymers was investigated. Six different prepolymer formulations were prepared by two different methods. One method utilized the PMR approach to polyimides and the second method employed the normal condensation route to provide fully imidized prepolymers. Polymer specimens cured at 450 F exhibited adequate long-term stability in air at 400 F. Moisture absorption studies were conducted on one polymer formulation. Neat Polymer specimens exhibited weight gains of up to 2% (w/w) after exposure to 100% relative humidity at 344K (160 F) for 400 hours.

Orell, M. K.↗

Poly /Diels-Alder/ matrix resins

A poly (Diels-Alder) (PDA) resin approach was investigated as a means to achieve autoclavability of high-temperature resistant resin/fiber composites under mild fabrication conditions. The results of the study were highly promising and program objectives were achieved. Low-void content Type A-S graphite reinforced composites were autoclave fabricated from a PDA resin/fiber prepreg prepared from an acetone:methanol:dioxane varnish. Autoclave conditions were 400 F and 100 psi for up to two hours duration. After postcure at temperatures up to 600 F, the composites demonstrated high initial mechanical properties at temperatures up to 550 F. The results from isothermal aging studies in air for 1000 hours indicated potential for long-term (over 1000 hours) use at 500 F and shorter-term use at 550 F.

Jones, R. J.↗

Development of autoclave moldable addition-type polyimides

Chemistry and processing modifications of the poly(Diels Alder) polyimide (PDA) resin were performed to obtain structural composites suitable for 589 K (600 F) service. This work demonstrated that the PDA resin formulation is suitable for service at 589 K (600 F) for up to 125 hours when used in combination with Hercules HTS graphite fiber. Sandwich panels were autoclave molded using PDA/HTS skins and polyimide/glass honeycomb core. Excellent adhesion between honeycomb core and the facing skins was demonstrated. Fabrication ease was demonstrated by autoclave molding three-quarter scale YF-12 wing panels.

Vaughan, R. W.↗

Fabrication of PDA/HTS prototype components

A process was developed for autoclave molding structural poly-(Diels-Alder) polyimide (PDA) resin/HTS graphite composites for short-term 600 F service. The autoclave molding process used to fabricate these composites required a maximum cure temperature of 427 K (400 F) and a maximum molding pressure of 0.7 MN/sq m (100 psig). This process then was adapted to the fabrication of co-cured polyimide sandwich panels consisting of PDA/HTS skins, PDA syntactic foam and polyimide/glass honeycomb core. Fabrication ease was demonstrated by manufacturing five three-quarter scale YF-12 wing panels using the PDA resin. It was concluded from successful evaluation of these prototype units that the PDA resin is suitable for fabrication of components using commercial equipment.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Weld bonding of titanium with polyimide adhesives

A conductive adhesive primer and a capillary flow adhesive were developed for weld bonding titanium alloy joints. Both formulations contained ingredients considered to be non-carcinogenic. Lap-shear joint test specimens and stringer-stiffened panels were weld bonded using a capillary flow process to apply the adhesive. Static property information was generated for weld bonded joints over the temperature range of 219K (-65 F) to 561K (550 F). The capillary flow process was demonstrated to produce weld bonded joints of equal strength to the weld through weld bonding process developed previously.

Vaughan, R. W.↗

Development of autoclavable polyimides

A poly(Diels-Alder) (PDA) resin approach was investigated as a means to achieve autoclavability of high temperature resistant resin/fiber composites under mild fabrication procedures. Low void content Type A-S graphite reinforced composites were autoclave fabricated from a PDA resin/fiber prepared from an acetone:methanol:dioxane varnish. Autoclave conditions were 477K (400F) and 0.7 MN/sq m (100 psi) for up to two hours duration. After postcure at temperatures up to 589K (600F), the composites demonstrated high initial mechanical properties at temperatures up to 561K (550F). The results from isothermal aging studies in air for 1000 hours indicated potential for long-term ( 1000 hours) use at 533K (500F) and shorter-term (up to 1000 hours) at 561K (550F).

Orell, M. K.↗

Development of autoclavable addition type polyimides

Two highly promising approaches to yield autoclavable addition-type polyimides were identified and evaluated in the program. Conditions were established for autoclave preparation of Hercules HMS graphite fiber reinforced composites in the temperature range of 473 K to 505 K under an applied pressure of 0.7 MN/m2 (100 psi) for time durations up to four hours. Upon oven postcure in air at 589 K, composite samples demonstrated high mechanical property retention at 561 K after isothermal aging in air for 1000 hours. Promise was shown for shorter term mechanical property retention at 589 K upon exposure in air at this temperature.

Jones, R. J.↗