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At least 289 records · Page 16

Simulation of space radiation effects on polyimide film materials for high temperature applications

Space environment effects on candidate materials for the solar sail film are determined. Polymers, including metallized polyimides that might be suitable solar radiation receivers, were exposed to combined proton and solar electromagnetic radiation. Each test sample was weighted, to simulate the tension on the polymer when it is stretched into near-planar shape while receiving solar radiation. Exposure rates up to 16 times that expected in Earth orbit were employed, to simulate near-sun solar sailing conditions. Sample appearance, elongation, and shrinkage were monitored, noted, and documented in situ. Thermosetting polyimides showed less degradation or visual change in appearance than thermoplastics.

Fogdall, L. B.↗

Isomer effects on polyimide properties

Thermally stable polyimide polymers were prepared. Parameters explored include asymmetry of substitution, addition of alkyl substituents to an aromatic ring, and an increase in the number of aromatic rings present in the diamine monomer. It is shown that the use of an asymmetrical diamine in the preparation of a polyimide produces a polymer with a markedly lowered glass transition temperature. This is achieved with little or no sacrifice of thermal stability. An alternate approach taken was to prepare imide monomers which are capable of addition-type polymerization.

Stump, B. L.↗

Effect of processing parameters on autoclaved PMR polyimide composites

A study was conducted to determine the effect of processing parameters on the processability and properties of autoclaved fiber reinforced PMR polyimide composites. Composites were fabricated from commercially available graphite fabric and glass fabric PMR polyimide prepreg materials. Process parameters investigated included degree of resin advancement, heating rate, and cure pressure. Composites were inspected for porosity by ultrasonic 'C' scan and photomicrographic examination. Processing characteristics for each set of process parameters and the effect of process parameters on composite mechanical properties at room temperature and 600 F are described.

Vannucci, R. D.↗

PMR Polyimide prepreg with improved tack characteristics

Current PMR Polyimide prepreg technology utilizes methanol or ethanol solvents for preparation of the PMR prepreg solutions. The volatility of these solvents limits the tack and drape retention characteristics of unprotected prepreg exposed to ambient conditions. Studies conducted to achieve PMR 15 Polyimide prepreg with improved tack and drape characteristics are described. Improved tack and drape retention were obtained by incorporation of an additional monomer. The effects of various levels of the added monomer on the thermo-oxidative stability and mechanical properties of graphite fiber reinforced PMR 15 composites exposed and tested at 316 C (600 F) are discussed.

Serafini, T. T.↗

High-temperature adhesives for polyimide films

Linear condensation polyimides which are high-temperature polymers show promise as adhesives which form flexible film coatings compatible with polyimide films. Materials are advantageous since they can be supplied as flexible tape, already B-staged and ready for bonding.

St. Clair, A. K.↗

Self-curing polyimide foam

Chemical formulation produces foamed polyimide plastic without externalheat. Foam is less dense and more flame and acid resistant than conventional polyimide foams. Self curing foam can be formed "onsite" in limitedaccess locations where application of heat is difficult or impossible.

Riccitiello, S. R.↗

Status review of PMR polyimides

The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides are reviewed. Synthesis, processing, and applications were considered, using prepreg materials based on processable, high temperature resistant polyimides.

Serafini, T. T.↗

Characterization of PMR polyimides: Correlation of ester impurities with composite properties

The presumed relationship of chemical impurities to final composite properties was investigated for PMR-polyimide resin. Ester/acid solutions of one monomer were aged at selected temperatures and chemical changes were monitored spectroscopically. At selected intervals, graphite fiber reinforced composite panels were fabricated. Changes in resin processing characteristics and composite properties were determined. The correlation of these data are discussed as are related characterization studies of PMR-polyimide resin.

Lauver, R. W.↗

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/PMR-15 polyimide structural elements

The processing requirements for graphite/PMR-15 polyimide composites developed to demonstrate the structural integrity of polyimide composite structural elements at temperatures up to 589K (600 F) are described. Major tasks included: quality assurance development; materials and process development; specification verification; flat panel fabrication; stiffened panel fabrication; honeycomb panel fabrication; chopped fiber moldings; and demonstration component fabrication. Materials, processing, and quality assurance documents were prepared from experimentally derived data. Structural elements consisting of flat panels, corrugated stiffeners, I-beams, hat stiffeners, honeycomb panels, and chopped fiber moldings were made and tested. Property data from 219K (-65 F) to 589K (600 F) were obtained. All elements were made in a production environment. The size of each element was sufficient to insure production capability and structural component applicability. Problems associated with adhesive bonding, laminate and structural element analysis, material variability, and test methods were addressed.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Glass polyimide honeycomb cores for advanced space transportation systems

The use of a glass fiber reinforced polyimide honeycomb was considered for various applications requiring lightweight stiff structures which may experience temperatures up to 600K. The experiences and results of fabricating these core types are reported. The process parameters and most desirable characteristics are noted. The differences in considering resins for making laminates versus their use in surface coatings are stressed. This comparison is made to explain the problems encountered in using the three new resin types for dipping honeycomb to the desired density. Some properties and the effect of post cure, forming and ventilating techniques for the condensation polyimide core types are presented.

Brentjes, J.↗

HPLC for quality control of polyimides

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as a quality control tool for polyimide resins and prepregs are presented. A data base to help establish accept/reject criteria for these materials was developed. This work is intended to supplement, not replace, standard quality control tests normally conducted on incoming resins and prepregs. To help achieve these objectives, the HPLC separation of LARC-160 polyimide precursor resin was characterized. Room temperature resin aging effects were studied. Graphite reinforced composites made from fresh and aged resin were fabricated and tested to determine if changes observed by HPLC were significant.

Young, P. R.↗

Development of fire-resistant, low smoke generating, thermally stable end items for commercial aircraft and spacecraft using a basic polyimide resin

Experimental data pertinent to flexible resilient foams, low density wall panels, high strength floor panels and thermal acoustical insulation are presented. An evaluation of the effect of the heterocyclic diamine component on the compression set of the foams was carried out. Processes and compositions for fabricating wall panels were evaluated. Thermal acoustical polyimide materials were developed to replace conventional glass batting insulation. To reduce the thermal stresses and improve the burn through resistance, cross linked polyimide foams were developed but not evaluated.

Gagliani, J.↗

Status review of PMR polyimides

In the NASA developed PMR (polymerization of monomer reactants) the reinforcing fibers are impregnated with a solution containing a mixture of monomers dissolved in a low boiling point alkyl alcohol solvent, with the monomers reacting in situ at elevated temperatures to form a thermo-oxidatively stable polyimide matrix. The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides is reviewed, considering synthesis and properties, processing, and applications. It is concluded that the PMR approach offers various significant advantages, especially superior high temperature properties and processing versatility, to fabricators and users of polyimide/fiber composites.

Serafini, T. T.↗

Characterization of PMR polyimides - Correlation of ester impurities with composite properties

The presumed relationship of chemical impurities to final composite properties is the rationale for most chemical characterization studies. This study examines this relationship for PMR-polyimide resin. Ester/acid solutions of one monomer were aged at selected temperatures and chemical changes were monitored spectroscopically. At selected intervals, graphite fiber reinforced composite panels were fabricated. Changes in resin processing characteristics and composite properties were determined. The correlation of these data are discussed as are related characterization studies of PMR-polyimide resin.

Lauver, R. W.↗

LARC-13 polyimide adhesive bonding

The development of an addition-curing polyimide adhesive suitable for low pressure bonding without the generation of volatiles during cure is reported. LARC-13 is designed for bonding of polyimide matrix composites and of titanium to be used above 500 F, and is based on an oligomeric bis-nadimide which allows its processing at 50 psi or less, making it suitable for the bonding of fragile honeycomb sandwich structures. Few volatiles are evolved during its cure allowing large enclosed structures to be bonded, and it has high room and elevated temperature strengths and good strength retention after short terms up to 1100 F. LARC-13 was successfully used to bond the outer and inner skins of a polyimide/graphite wing shear panel for 500 F use, and for a short-term exposure up to 1100 F. Preparation of the adhesive, bonding, aging, and testing of lap shear and honeycomb samples are discussed.

Saint Clair, T. L.↗

Electrically conductive palladium-containing polyimide films

Palladium addition makes light, flexible film with low resistivity to relieve space charging. Polyimide film is prepared in four steps: preparation of polyamic acid in polar solvent; addition of soluable palladium complex salt; fabrication of film of "palladium polyamic acid" solution; and thermal imidization of film to palladium-containing polyimide by 300 C heating. Lowered resistivities were achieved without loss in film flexibility or increase in film weight.

St.clair, A. K.↗

Manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/PMR 15 polyimide structural elements

Investigations were conducted to obtain commercially available graphite/PMR-15 polyimide prepreg, develop an autoclave manufacturing process, and demonstrate the process by manufacturing structural elements. Controls were established on polymer, prepreg, composite fabrication, and quality assurance, Successful material quality control and processes were demonstrated by fabricating major structural elements including flat laminates, hat sections, I beam sections, honeycomb sandwich structures, and molded graphite reinforced fittings. Successful fabrication of structural elements and simulated section of the space shuttle aft body flap shows that the graphite/PMR-15 polyimide system and the developed processes are ready for further evaluation in flight test hardware.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Crystalline polyimides

Aromatic crystalline polyimides are disclosed that are synthesized from polyamide-acid and when heated to 200 C to 300 C become cyclized to afford an opaque polymer. X-ray diffraction of the unoriented film exhibited 47 percent crystallinity. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals a melt at 425 C with no glass transition in these crystalline polyimides.

St.clair, T. L.↗