Bismaleimide-Modified Methyl-Di(phenylethynyl)silane Blends and Composites: Cure Characteristics, Thermal Stability, and Mechanical Property

Reactive blends of organic-inorganic hybrid monomer, methyl-di(phenylethynyl)silane (MDPES) and a modified bismaleimide resin (BMI/DBA) have been prepared. The thermal and oxidative stabilities of MDPES-BMI/DBA blends were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and flexural strength retention at 240 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to study the surface morphology of MDPES-BMI/DBA composite after thermal oxidative treatment. With the increase of concentration of BMI/DBA, flexural strength of composites increased from 78 to 331 MPa. The results showed that MDPES-BMI/DBA blends exhibited excellent thermal and thermal oxidative properties, and the interface between MDPES and glass fiber was improved by the incorporation of BMI/DBA. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 112: 3721-3727, 2009