Abstract
Toughening procedures, processing optimization and performance evaluation of bismaleimide (BMI)-carbon fibre composites are reported. The BMI matrix was 4,4′- bismaleimidodiphenylmethane(BMPM) O,O′- diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA). Toughening procedures involved (i) characterization and optimization of the BMI cure reactions to produce ‘defect-free’, fully cured crosslinked networks, and (ii) incorporation of viscoelastic toughening poly(ether imide) (PEI) particulates and film interleaves and crack deflector Kevlar 49 whiskers into the BMI-carbon fibre composites. Optimization of composite processing conditions is reported. The effects of toughening procedures on composite performance in terms of G lc toughness, impact penetration, compression after impact and open hole compression as a function of temperature are discussed. The conflicting requirements of these performance tests upon desirable polymer matrix properties are critically discussed.
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