New Polymers and Processes for Space Applications
Abstract
The overall objective of this proposal was to conceive and develop new polymeric materials and processes for emerging Air Force applications that are space-based. Specifically, we developed new thermoset materials, including nanostructured and liquid crystalline thermosets, with enhanced use temperature and fracture toughness beyond state-of-practice materials. Additionally, we developed new polymer processing methods to achieve concave polymer films with tailored shape. Three distinct thermosetting systems were compared in terms of viability for combined Tg and fracture toughness enhancement, while maintaining or improving processability over state-of-the-art resin systems. The particular systems studied include: (i) epoxy resins modified by inorganic-organic hybrid POSS compounds, (ii) liquid crystalline thermosents, and (iii) reactive hyperbranced polymeric additives for bismaleimide-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (BMI-POSS) epoxies. During this program, two graduate assistants were supported, Mr. Haihu Qin (full support) and Mr. Jian Wu (partial support), as well as a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Gyeong-Man Kim (full support); all through whom significant progress has been made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418326
Entities
People
- Patrick T. Mather
Organizations
- University of Connecticut