Trifunctional thermosetting monomer with propargyl and phthalonitrile groups

Abstract

A new monomer containing thermosetting groups of two types, namely, propargyl ether and phthalonitrile, in the structure of the molecule was synthesized and studied. It was found that thermal polymerization was accompanied by the degradation of the monomer with propargyl ether decomposition. This problem can be solved using catalysts based on Cu(i) favoring the polymerization at both the propargyl group and phthalonitrile fragments. The cured monomer has a non-porous structure and high thermal properties (Vicat softening temperature 395 °C, T5% 451 °C). The low viscosity of the melt (<200 mPa s at 120 °C) and low glass-transition temperature (9 °C) of the monomer make it possible to use it for the formation of composite materials by vacuum infusion or injection into a mold.