Study of the polymerization of high-performance polymers by electrons and x-rays: 2. The case of bismaleimide/N-vinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

In the context of radiation-induced polymerization of bismaleimide monomers, we have investigated the polymerization mechanisms and kinetics of a bismaleimide/vinyl-pyrrolidone system. Several parameters were considered, including the type of dose (electrons or x-rays), power, presence of a catalyst and the carbon fibre filler.

To this end, we developed a methodology based on physicochemical studies by infrared absorption spectroscopy and solid state ³C_NMR (CP-MAS) in order to quantify the chemical species created or residuals in the cross-linked network. The results (progression of the reaction and structure of the network formed) were correlated with thermal behaviour and compared with those obtained by thermal polymerization.

Using an optimized formulation, we determined the thermal and mechanical properties of these radiation-polymerized prepolymers and composites.