Background
Bismaleimides (BMIs) and acrylates are key monomers in polymer science, valued for their thermal stability, mechanical properties, and reactivity. They are widely used in high-performance applications including aerospace and 3D printing. However, their current applications are mostly limited to polymeric matrices for thermosets and thermoplastics. One major challenge in polymer composite applications is the formation of volatile byproducts during curing, which requires costly and time-consuming post-processing.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method for using bismaleimides (BMIs) and acrylates as additives in polymer composite applications. This invention traps volatile byproducts that may be formed during some curing processes, eliminating the need for post processing of cured thermosets, which is time consuming and expensive. This additive also increases thermal stability due to the enhanced properties of BMIs. Traditional thermosetting resins can also benefit from increased physical and thermal properties from this additive. Additionally, chemistries that produce harmful biproducts, including BCI chemistry, can now be used for various commercial applications, The chemistry of this additive is a Michael addition across the maleimide or acrylate double bond, which allows for orthogonal chemistries in complex curing systems when coupled with radical processes.
Potential Applications
- Aerospace industry
- Automotive industry
- 3D printing
- Electronics and electrical industry
Benefits and Advantages
- Increased thermal stability – enhanced thermal properties of BMIs
- Elimination of post-processing – reduces processing time and cost
- Commercial viability of new chemistries – traps volatile byproducts formed during curing process