Adhesive and composite properties of LARCTM-8515 polyimide

Abstract

LARC^TM-8515 (Langley Research Center-8515) is an aromatic polyimide based on 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and an 85:15 molar ratio of 3,4'-oxydianiline (3,4'-ODA) and 1,3-bis(3-amnophenoxy)benzene (APB). This material is currently under evaluation as an adhesive and composite matrix resin for use in high-performance aerospace applications. The synthesis and development of the copolymer as well as studies of the effect of molecular weight on properties will be discussed. LARC^TM-8515 has been evaluated as an adhesive, and titanium to titanium tensile shear strengths will be presented. Unidirectional prepreg was' made utilizing the Langley multipurpose tape machine. and the thermal and rheological properties and the solvent/volatile depletion rates of the poly(amide acid)/NMP resin system were determined. This information was used to successfully design a moulding cycle for composite preparation. Composite laminates were moulded under 200 psi, which consistently yielded good consolidation quality as measured by C-scan, acid digestion and optical photomicrography. Composite mechanical properties measured included short-beam shear strength and flexural strength and modulus at RT, 93, 150 and 177C. and compression strength (ITRI) and open hole compression (OHC) strength at RT and 177 C (wet).

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