Microcomposite Processing and Applications.
Abstract
Sol-gel reagents were successfully infiltrated into microfibrillar regions of water-swollen PBT films at loadings which exceeded 50 percent by weight. PBT/sol-gel glass microcomposite films containing rigid silica glass and silicone elastomer were prepared by reaction with tetramethoxysilane and dimethyldimethoxysilane, respectively. The amount of sol-gel glass introduced into PBT film was controlled by variation of sol-gel reagent concentration. Densification of PBT/sol-gel glass microcomposite films at moderate temperatures and pressures decreased film thickness and increased stiffness. Optical and scanning electron microscopy indicated that sol-gel reagents had uniformly infiltrated microfibrillar regions of PBT, forming interpenetrating networks. Pyrolysis of PBT/sol-gel glass samples in air produced continuous, wispy, translucent films of silica residue, providing evidence of previous sol-gel glass morphology within PBT film interiors. Dense, well-consolidated laminates were prepared using PBT/sol-gel glass microcomposite films, and sol-gel reagents or adhesives as binder resins. These results provided methods for fabricating useful structures with improved stiffness, impact-resistance and interlaminar adhesion. Phase I of this program demonstrated the feasibility of significantly improving PBT film properties by infiltration with sol-gel glass reagents. Phase II will analyze PBT/sol-gel glass morphology, develop sol-gel reagent infiltration processes, lamination and coating of PBT films and fabrication of test samples.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166244
Entities
People
- Richard W. Lusignea
- Robert F. Kovar