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At least 55 records · Page 3

Chemical approach for controlling nadimide cure temperature and rate

Polyimide resins suitable for use as composite matrix materials are formed by copolymerization of maleic and norbornenyl end-capped monomers and oligomers. The copolymers can be cured at temperatures under about 300 C. by controlling the available concentration of the maleic end-capped reactant. This control can be achieved by adding sufficient amounts of said maleic reactant, or by chemical modification of either copolymer, to increase Diels-Alder retrogression of the norbornenyl-capped reactant and/or holding initiation and polymerization to a rate compatible with the availability of the maleic-capped reactant.

Lauver, R. W.↗

Polyimides containing oxyethylene units. II - Polymerization of 3.3', 4.4'-benzophenonetetra carboxylic dianhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride

The study is concerned with the polymerization of diamines 2a-d with readily available dianhydrides, i.e., 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). The synthesis and polymerization of asymmetric diamines containing substituted alkylene ether linkages are also investigated. It is assumed that the flexibility introduced into the polymer chain through the use of such diamines would result in moderate glass transition temperatures that would allow the systems to be melt processed. Mixtures of diamines are also copolymerized so as to further disrupt the polymer's symmetry and recurrence regularity. The properties of the resulting polymers are briefly discussed.

Harris, F. W.↗

Bismaleimides and related maleimido polymers as matrix resins

Significant processing and property improvements can be achieved by copolymerization of state-of-the-art bisimides with various vinyl stilbazole derivatives to give both fire resistance and high-temperature properties from hot-melt compositions. Significant improvement in mechanical properties is achieved through these modifications, which may make these new matrix resins ideal candidates for fireworthy secondary graphite composite structures. Phosphorous modifications of maleimido polymers through phosphonate structure and tricyclophosphazene derivatives provide families of new matrix resins for short-time applications in severe thermo-oxidative environments. With further research these may provide matrix resins for long-term thermo-oxidative stability of advanced composites at temperatures up to 400 to 500 C.

Parker, J. A.↗

Chemical control of rate and onset temperature of nadimide polymerization

The chemistry of norbornenyl capped imide compounds (nadimides) is briefly reviewed with emphasis on the contribution of Diels-Alder reversion in controlling the rate and onset of the thermal polymerization reaction. Control of onset temperature of the cure exotherm by adjusting the concentration of maleimide is demonstrated using selected model compounds. The effects of nitrophenyl compounds as free radical retarders on nadimide reactivity are discussed. A simple copolymerization model is proposed for the overall nadimide cure reaction. An approximate numerical analysis is carried out to demonstrate the ability of the model to simulate the trends observed for both maleimide and nitrophenyl additions.

Lauver, R. W.↗

A ceramic matrix composite based on polymerization and pyrolysis of ethynylated aromatics

A number of ethynylated aromatic monomers recently have been synthesized which thermally homopolymerize and copolymerize to produce rigid, highly cross-linked polymers with high thermal stability (Tg of about 450 C). On pyrolysis, these polymers lose few volatiles (more than 85 percent char yield) to yield carbon bodies of relatively low porosity. These properties render the ethynylated aromatics of significant interest as matrices for high temperature composites. Incorporation of a SiC particle filler in the matrix improves the rheology of the system and minimizes shrinkage during pyrolysis. Several unidirectional composites have been fabricated combining a graphite or boria-alumina-silica continuous reinforcement with an ethynylated aromatic polymer matrix and SiC filler. Thermogravimetric analysis of composite pyrolysis behavior was used to determine reaction kinetics and to establish a composite fabrication cycle. Composites retained 95 percent of their green weight on pyrolysis. Microstructure of the green and pyrolyzed composites is characterized for materials pyrolyzed at 600 C in vacuum and argon as well as for laminates heated at 1200 C in argon following pyrolysis.

Hurwitz, F. I.↗

Direct observation of the excited-state proton transfer and decay kinetics of internally hydrogen-bonded photostabilizers in copolymer films

The excited-state dynamics of a 2-hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole (HPB) photostabilizer copolymerized with polystyrene are reported. HPB fluorescence from these copolymer films is observed at approximately 630 nm, characteristic of the proton-transferred excited state of HPB, and it has a risetime of less than 10 ps and a decay time of 28 + or - 4 ps at room temperature. Measurement of the relative fluorescence quantum yield as a function of temperature gives the activation energy for nonradiative decay of this state to be E/hc = 259 + or 25/cm.

Oconnor, D. B.↗

Process for curing bismaleimide resins

This invention relates to vinyl pyridine group containing compounds and oligomers, their advantageous copolymerization with bismaleimide resins, and the formation of reinforced composites based on these copolymers. When vinyl pyridines including vinyl stilbazole materials and vinyl styrylpyridine oligomer materials are admixed with bismaleimides and cured to form copolymers the cure temperatures of the copolymers are substantially below the cure temperatures of the bismaleimides alone.

Parker, John A.↗

The formation of small scale granularities in latex particles

A series of latices were synthesized using emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene and sodium styrene sulfonic acid. The final latex particles display an internal granular structure which can be ascribed to the primary particles present in the early stages of particle growth. In these systems, the primary particles appear to have maintained their integrity during the swelling and growth stage.

Zukoski, C. F.↗

Polyether-polyester graft copolymer

Described is a polyether graft polymer having improved solvent resistance and crystalline thermally reversible crosslinks. The copolymer is prepared by a novel process of anionic copolymerization. These polymers exhibit good solvent resistance and are well suited for aircraft parts. Previous aromatic polyethers, also known as polyphenylene oxides, have certain deficiencies which detract from their usefulness. These commercial polymers are often soluble in common solvents including the halocarbon and aromatic hydrocarbon types of paint thinners and removers. This limitation prevents the use of these polyethers in structural articles requiring frequent painting. In addition, the most popular commercially available polyether is a very high melting plastic. This makes it considerably more difficult to fabricate finished parts from this material. These problems are solved by providing an aromatic polyether graft copolymer with improved solvent resistance and crystalline thermally reversible crosslinks. The graft copolymer is formed by converting the carboxyl groups of a carboxylated polyphenylene oxide polymer to ionic carbonyl groups in a suitable solvent, reacting pivalolactone with the dissolved polymer, and adding acid to the solution to produce the graft copolymer.

Bell, Vernon L.↗

Proposed uses of laser light scattering instruments for polymerization studies

Microgravity offers a unique environment for studying polymer diffusion and polymer polymerization reactions. The absence of convection currents, which are the major mode of mixing at the molecular level on Earth, are eliminated or reduced in the microgravity environment. More importantly, the prediction of unique copolymer composition development in microgravity allows controlled formation of new compositions of matter. The absence of mixing at the molecular level should produce unique short block copolymers available for the first time for comonomer compositions which normally lead to random or long block copolymer under good mixing. The investigation of fundamental polymer diffusion and polymer polymerization processes in microgravity is proposed. This effort will involve fundamental studies of monomer and polymer diffusion; their effects on initiation, propagation, and especially termination kinetics rate constant; and the accurate evaluation of copolymerization reactivity ratios in microgravity. The experimental design is presented for these studies along with an evaluation technique for in situ monitoring of polymer diffusion and polymerization kinetics.

Mathias, Lon J.↗

Polymeric routes to silicon carbide and silicon oxycarbide CMC

An overview of two approaches to the formation of ceramic composite matrices from polymeric precursors is presented. Copolymerization of alkyl- and alkenylsilanes (RSiH3) represents a new precursor system for the production of Beta-SiC on pyrolysis, with copolymer composition controlling polymer structure, char yield, and ceramic stoichiometry and morphology. Polysilsesquioxanes which are synthesized readily and can be handled in air serve as precursors to Si-C-O ceramics. Copolymers of phenyl and methyl silsesquioxanes display rheological properties favorable for composite fabrication; these can be tailored by control of pH, water/methoxy ratio and copolymer composition. Composites obtained from these utilize a carbon coated, eight harness satin weave Nicalon cloth reinforcement. The material exhibits nonlinear stress-strain behavior in tension.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

A new antifoaming agent for epoxy material processing

It has been found that fluorodiepoxides are effective antifoaming agents for epoxy processing when applied at a level as low as 0.1 to 0.2 percent, and there is no adverse effect on the properties of the cured products. The novelty of the fluorodiepoxide is that it is reactive and can copolymerize with a conventional epoxy resin at the same time in the same way in forming an inter-crosslinked polymer network. However, when applied at a high level, compatibility problems may prevail.

Lee, Sheng Yen↗

Polymeric routes to silicon carbide and silicon oxycarbide CMC

An overview of two approaches to the formation of ceramic composite matrices from polymeric precursors is presented. Copolymerization of alkyl- and alkenylsilanes (RSiH3) represents a new precursor system for the production of Beta-SiC on pyrolysis, with copolymer composition controlling polymer structure, char yield, and ceramic stoichiometry and morphology. Polysilsesquioxanes which are synthesized readily and can be handled in air serve as precursors to Si-C-O ceramics. Copolymers of phenyl and methyl silsesquioxanes display rheological properties favorable for composite fabrication; these can be tailored by control of pH, water/methoxy ratio and copolymer composition. Composites obtained from these utilize a carbon coated, eight harness satin weave Nicalon cloth reinforcement. The material exhibits nonlinear stress-strain behavior in tension.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

High temperature polymer from maleimide-acetylene terminated monomers

Thermally stable, glassy polymeric materials were prepared from maleimide-acetylene terminated monomeric materials by several methods. The monomers were heated to self-polymerize. The A-B structure of the monomer allowed it to polymerize with either bismaleimide monomers/oligomers or bis-acetylene monomers/oligomers. Copolymerization can also take place by mixing bismaleimide and bisacetylene monomers/oligomers with the maleimide-acetylene terminated monomers to yield homogenous glassy polymers.

Gerber, Margaret K.↗

Siloxane containing polyimides with improved processability

Siloxane containing polyimides were prepared in an effort to improve processability of linear aromatic polyimides and toughness of addition curing imide oligomers. Linear aromatic polyimides were endcapped with varying proportions of a silane; a diaminosiloxane was copolymerized with an aromatic diamine; polyimide oligomers were endcapped with reactive groups; and acetylene terminated siloxane-containing oligomers were blended with linear siloxane-containing polyimides. The resins were used to prepare moldings, titanium to titanium adhesive bonds, and graphite reinforced composites. In each case, physical properties and other characteristics were compared to those of chemically similar polyimides with no siloxane incorporation. The resins, in most cases, performed better at room temperature than the corresponding polyimide. At elevated temperatures, for high siloxane content, the performance deteriorated.

Maudgal, Shubha↗

Photonic and Opto-Electronic Applications of Polydiacetylene Films Photodeposited from Solution and Polydiacetylene Copolymer Networks

Polydiacetylenes (PDAS) are attractive materials for both electronic and photonic applications because of their highly conjugated electronic structures. They have been investigated for applications as both one-dimensional (linear chain) conductors and nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. One of the chief limitations to the use of PDAs has been the inability to readily process them into useful forms such as films and fibers. In our laboratory we have developed a novel process for obtaining amorphous films of a PDA derived from 2-methyl4-nitroaniline using photodeposition with Ultraviolet (UV) light from monomer solutions onto transparent substrates. Photodeposition from solution provides a simple technique for obtaining PDA films in any desired pattern with good optical quality. This technique has been used to produce PDA films that show potential for optical applications such as holographic memory storage and optical limiting, as well as third-order NLO applications such as all-optical refractive index modulation, phase modulation and switching. Additionally, copolymerization of diacetylenes with other monomers such as methacrylates provides a means to obtain materials with good processibility. Such copolymers can be spin cast to form films, or drawn by either melt or solution extrusion into fibers. These films or fibers can then be irradiated with UV to photopolymerize the diacetylene units to form a highly stable cross-linked PDA-copolymer network. If such films are electrically poled while being irradiated, they can achieve the asymmetry necessary for second-order NLO applications such as electro-optic switching. On Earth, formation of PDAs by the above mentioned techniques suffers from defects and inhomogeneities caused by convective flows that can arise during processing. By studying the formation of these materials in the reduced-convection, diffusion-controlled environment of space we hope to better understand the factors that affect their processing, and thereby, their nature and properties. Ultimately it may even be feasible to conduct space processing of PDAs for technological applications.

Paley, Mark S.↗

New RTM/RI Resins for the HSCT

In the first portion of this work, 1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1,2-bis[4-(dimethylhydroxysilyl)phenoxy]cyclobutane and 1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-1,2-bis[3-(dimethylhydroxysilyl)phenoxy]cyclobutane were prepared and homopolymerized to afford polymers with excellent thermal stability and Tgs of 27 C and -12 C, respectively. Despite the moderately high wt% of fluorin in the polymer structure (23.8%), these polymers had poor fuel resistance. In fact, swelling measurements indicate that these polymers had apparent solubility parameters of about 18.2 J (exp 1/2) m (exp -3/2) (toluene). Copolymerization of the disilanol monomers with fluorosilicone monomers afforded copolymers containing 20-30 wt% of the perfluorocyclobutane-containing structure displayed adequate fuel resistance, enhanced thermal stability, and a Tg low enough to meet the requirements of a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) fuel tank sealant. In the second part of this work, trifluorovinylether-terminated oligomers were prepared and polymerized via cyclodimerization. Initially, an alpha, omega-silanol-terminated fluorosilicone was endcapped with trifluorovinylether end groups via a two-step synthetic sequence. The oligomer was thermally cyclodimerized to a polymer that displayed thermal stability similar to that of a fluorosilicone homopolymer. Second, 1,3-bis[4-trifluorovinyl(oxy)phenyl]-1,3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)dimethyldisiloxane and 1,3-bis{3-trifluorovinyl(oxy)phenyl]-1,3-(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)dimethyldisiloxane were prepared and cyclodimerized to afford polymers that contained pendant trifluoropropyl groups. The pendant trifluoropropyl groups did enhance solvent resistance in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, however, no improvement was observed in aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. These polymers also displayed excellent thermal stability. In the last part of this work, a series of monomers was prepared by the DCC-promoted esterification of 4-[trifluorovinyl(oxy)benzoic acid with alpha, omega-functionalized hydrogenated and partially fluorinated alcohols. The monomers were cyclodimerized to the corresponding polymers. The polymers that did not contain beta hydrogens displayed significantly higher thermal stability than the fully hydrogenated polymers. A commercially-available alpha,omega-hydroxy-terminated perfluoropolyether was then functionalized with 4-[trifluorovinyl(oxy)benzoylchloride. An attempt was made to polymerize the resulting oligomer via the cyclodimerization of the terminal trifluorovinylether moieties. Although the viscosity of the oligomer increased significantly during polymerization, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) analysis revealed that the Tetrahydrofuran (THF) soluble portion of the polymer did not have high molecular weight.

Harris, Frank W.↗

Final Report

This cooperative agreement explored the novel polymerization of vinylsilane, alone and in combination with other alkenylsilanes, alkylsilanes, and/or crosslinking agents, using dimethyltitanocene as homogeneous catalyst. The reactions were found to be initiated photochemically under mild conditions, and no hydrogen gas was evolved when alkenylsilanes were polymerized. The polymers were found to have predominately a carbosilane-type backbone containing -SiH2-CH2-CH2-Si and -SiH2-CH(CH3)-Si type linkages. The mechanism of polymerization was found to be step-growth. Despite the relatively low molecular weight of the polymer (M(sub n) - 500 and M(sub W) - 1500), pyrolysis resulted in conversion to C-rich SiC ceramic in high char yields (-60%). Copolymerization with methylsilane resulted in higher chars and more crystalline polymer. Addition of crosslinking agents such as polybutadiene or methyltrivinylsilane increased the viscosity of the polymer produced and enabled application as coatings to fiber toes.

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