The Characterization of the Structure-Property Relations of Electron Beam Cured Composites

Abstract

The ultimate objective of this program was to develop a fundamental understanding of the relations between the processing parameters, the resultant physical and chemical structure and the performance of E-beam cured polymer matrix composites for cryogenic fuel containment structures for future Air Force space operations vehicles. The S-beam induced cure mechanisms for cationic polymerized epoxides and free radical polymerized bismaleimides (BMI) were characterized in terms of processing variables, dissociation chemistry of the catalytic initiators, and inherent absorbed moisture. A general S-beam resin and composite cure model was developed as a function of S-beam processing variables. Stress-thermal cycling of BMI- Carbon fiber composites under cryogenic fuel simulated environments revealed that there is a high probability of microcracking with increasing number of thermo-cycles, higher pre-strain and humidity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA422141

Entities

People

  • Roger J. Morgan

Organizations

  • Texas Engineering Experiment Station

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anhydrides
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Materials
  • Dissociation
  • Electron Beams
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Fibers
  • Free Radicals
  • Glass Transition Temperature
  • High Temperature
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Transition Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster