INVESTIGATION OF IMIDE/GRAPHITE COMPOSITE DEGRADATION MECHANISM

Foster-Miller, Inc. (FMI) proposes to establish at the molecular level the mechanism of degradation of mechanism will result in modifications of current imide resins and new resin development. The innovation in the proposed Phase I program is our solution for the prevention of galvanic induced degradation of imide based composites. Our proposed solution involves modifying the BMI resin by placing novel moieties in the polymer chain. The modification to the BMI matrix resin will not compromise its mechanical or thermal properties. We will demonstrate the feasibility of the entire concept by fabricating test coupons, subjecting them to a laboratory galvanic process, and determining the bearing strength of the test coupons. A Phsae II program will develop at the laboratory level modified bismaleimide resins and composites and/or conduct synthesis studies on new resin approaches to meet the requirement for elevated temperature composites at greater 250 degrees F. This Phase II effort will involve a test matrix that demonstrates processing and mechanical properties as well as to compare to baseline materials.