Semi-Interpenetrating Networks of Sulfur-Containing Bismaleimides

Abstract

Microphase-separated semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-n Ns) were obtained by curing 4,4'-bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMII), which was advanced in situ with diamine-terminated oligo(phenylene sulfide) (PPS-DA), in the presence of a non-crosslinked linear high-T, aromatic polyether. Poly(thioether amide imide) (PTEAI) containing two phenylene sulfide units, Ultems 1000 poly(ether imide) (PEI) and benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid anhydride/diaminophenylindane polyimnide XU 218$ (PI) were used as non-crosslinked modifiers for the sulfur-containing BMI/PPS-DA resin system, which formed the continuous polymer matrix. Morphological and mechanical properties of the polyether-modified BMI/PPS-DA resin systems were investigated as a function of semi-n?,-compositions and polymer compatibilities. The soluble high-TA P1 gave improved strength and toughness without sacrificing the high T, of the resulting multiphase semi-iPNS.