Preparation and properties of bisphenol A-based bis-phthalonitrile composite laminates

A series of bisphenol A (BPA)-based 2,2-bis-[4-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]propane (BAPh) prepolymers and polymers were prepared using BPA as a novel curing agent. Ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum were used to study the polymerization reaction mechanism of the BAPh/BPA polymers. The curing behaviors were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis, the results indicated that the BAPh/BPA prepolymers exhibit large processing windows (109.5-148.5 degrees C) and low complex viscosity (0.1-1 Pa center dot s) at moderate temperature, respectively. Additionally, the BAPh/BPA/glass fiber (GF) composite laminates were manufactured and investigated. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite laminates are 548.7-632.8 MPa and 25.7-33.2 GPa, respectively. The thermal stabilities of BAPh/BPA/GF composite laminates were studied by thermogravimetry analysis. The temperatures at 5% weight loss (T5%) of the composite laminates are 508.5-528.7 degrees C in nitrogen and 508.1-543.2 degrees C in air. In conclusion, the BAPh/BPA systems can be used as superior matrix materials for numerous advanced composite applications. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013