Poly Arylene Ether (PAE) Based, High Performance, Solvent Free Procesing of Aircraft Canopies

Triton Systems, Inc will demonstrate a new method to produce a low melt viscosity PolyArylene Ether (PAE) macrocyclic oligomer that will be resin transfer molded (RTM) into optically transparent aircraft canopies. A ring opening polymerization converts the macrocyclic oligomer to an optically transparent PAE polymer with a high glass transition temperature. The PAE macrocycle is processable without the use of a solvent because of its low viscosity at moderate temperatures (polyarylene ether ketone is 1-100 poise@250C). Thermal treatment of the PAE macrocycles in the presence of an initiator causes a "ring-opening" polymerization to form a conventional high molecular weight PAE polymer. The synthesis and processing of PolyArylene Ether (PAE) materials will be the focus of this study because of their high optical transparency, glass transition temperatures in the 250-350C range, and Triton Systems expertise with these types of polymers. The Phase I program will lead to a solvent free synthetic and processing method for a range of high temperature and optically transparent PAE compositions. This process optimizes low operating cost and rapid cycle with high use temperature PAE materials.