Moisture absorption and hydrothermal aging of phenylethynyl-terminated pyromellitic dianhydride-type asymmetric polyimide and composites

Abstract

The effects of moisture on a polymerized monomeric reactant (PMR)-type polyimide (TriA X) and associated composites were investigated. Water uptake tests were performed on the polyimide at various temperatures and relative humidity levels to investigate moisture absorption behavior. Two-stage moisture absorption was observed, in which the first stage was diffusion controlled, whereas the second stage was moisture plasticization controlled. As exposure temperature increased, the equilibrium moisture content of the polyimide decreased, indicating an exothermic absorption process. The Arrhenius temperature dependence and moisture saturation as functions of temperature and humidity in the neat polymer were determined using curve fitting based on the published mathematical models. Long-term hydrothermal aging at 95°C was conducted on the neat polyimide and associated carbon fiber composites. Reversible hydrolytic reactions and a trace of irreversible hydrolysis were observed in the long-term exposure. The tensile ductility of the neat polyimide and the short-beam shear strength of the composites decreased with increasing aging time, while the tensile strength and modulus and thermal properties of the polyimide exhibited little change after 2000-h aging, demonstrating hydrothermal stability. The decrease in the ductility of the neat polymer after long-term moisture exposure was attributed to the network structure change, driven by hydrolysis and moisture plasticization.