The current state-of-the-art high temperature polymer matrix composites (PMCs) typically cannot withstand temperatures above 300°C (&gt;570°F) in air for extended periods of time. Much of this is due to the limitations of matrix resin, which is reaching its fundamental chemical and physical limit. As a result PMCs are often replaced with either metals or ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for higher temperature applications, which are typically much heavier than PMCs and can be more expensive. Ideally a low-density material that can address the temperature capability gap between PMCs and CMCs, as shown in the Ashby plot figure, would lead to numerous benefits in reducing the weight of aircraft. The focus of this work is on developing, designing and modifying inorganic polymers and preceramic polymers to be used alone as a matrix resin or with thermosetting resins such as epoxy and benzoxazines to create inorganic-organic hybrids. For the design and synthesis of inorganic polymers, the discussion will be on the development of polymers that contain a high concentration of boron. The development of hybrids through the use of a preceramic polymer, polysilazane, in combination with epoxy and benzoxazines will also be discussed. The cross-link chemistry of these networked systems can be tailored by controlling various processing parameters leading to inorganic/organic hybrids that could be used for higher temperatures as well as bonding organic polymers to ceramics. Techniques to incorporate the preceramic polymer into the crosslinked network of the organic thermoset along with the mechanical properties and thermal stability of these inorganic-organic hybrids will be presented.

Development of high temperature inorganic-organic polymers and hybrids

256th National Meeting (2018)

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