Lightweight thermo- and heat-resistant composite materials based on polyimide foam

Abstract

A prepolymer foaming composition based on 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride methyl ester and diamines: 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane and m-phenylenediamine for the production of high-temperature polyimide foam (PIF) is proposed. The p ossibility o f u sing P IF a s a b inder f or c omposite materials (foam composites) reinforced with carbon or organic fibers with low density (0.4–1.1 g/cm3) a s a result of foaming of the binder during the formation of the foam composite is shown. The density and mechanical properties of the foam composite can vary within a relatively wide range depending on the volume content of the fiber and air pores. The high glass transition temperature of 260°C, combined with the high thermal stability of carbon or polyimide fibers, contributes to the retention of the mechanical properties of such composites at elevated temperatures. The temperature of the start of mass loss of the foam composite must be at least 550°C, and it depends on the type of fibrous material. The combination of the excellent thermal and mechanical properties of lightweight PIF composites, together with the exceptional fire resistance of polyimide materials, may provide new applications in advanced aircraft and shipbuilding technologies.