Novel high performance RTM bismaleimide resin with low cure temperature for advanced composites

A novel performance matrix, coded as LCRTM, with low cure and post-cure temperature (<= 200 degrees C) for fabricating advanced polymer composites via resin transfer molding (RTM), was successfully developed, made up of 4,4'-bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BDM) and N-allyl diaminodipheny-lether (ADDE). Investigations show that the stoichiometry of BDM and ADDE has great effect on the processing and performance parameters of the resultant resins. In the case of the optimum formulation (the mole ratio of BDM and ADDE is 1:0.55), the injection temperature range is between 70-82 degrees C, and the pot life at 80 degrees C is 300 min, moreover, the cured resin has desirable thermal and mechanical properties after being cured at 200 degrees C for 6 hr, reflecting a great potential as high performance matrices for fabricating advanced composites via the RTM technique. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.