Fabrication, Mechanical and Dielectric Characterization of 3D Orthogonal Woven Basalt Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyimide Composites
The 3D orthogonal woven basalt fiber reinforced polyimide (PI) composites were fabricated and characterized in this study. The PI film was firstly prepared to determine PI processing parameters. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that 300°C was the suitable imidization temperature. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed relatively good thermal properties of the PI film. In the fabrication of composites, the multi-step impregnation method was applied. The bending properties of 3 mm-thick composite showed increasing trend in all and the second-time impregnated composite had much higher value than the first-time impregnated composite. Moreover, the bending fracture mode photos showed obvious creases except for the first-time impregnated materials, which agreed well with the bending property values. The dielectric constants for the composites were complex because they had not regular value following the mixing rule of the composites, which was mainly due to the interfacial polarization and other effects in the fabrication processing.
Recent development of polyimides: Synthesis, processing, and application in gas separation
High-performance polymers have been concomitant with advanced technology for half a century. With the advancement of synthetic chemistry, the recent development of high-performance polymers has provided superior properties and enabled wide applications. This article reviews recent research progress in aromatic high-performance polymers. Particularly, we focus on the synthesis and processing of polyimides, as well as the application in gas separation membranes. We begin with a brief introduction to highlight important history and physiochemical characteristics of polyimides. Then, we review the various synthesis methods, followed by recent advances for improving processability. Finally, we evaluate the use of high-performance polymers in gas separation membranes with focus given to the key issues of plasticization and aging. Overall, the information presented herein provides an up-to-date overview of high-performance polymers, polyimides particularly, and serves as a guide for further research involving the applications in membrane technologies.
An Experimental Investigation of High Velocity Impact and Penetration Failure Modes in Textile Composites
The dynamic failure evolution of textile composites, which were subjected to impact velocities up to 1100 m/s, was investigated. Specialized machines were used to fabricate composites from combinations of Spectra®, Kevlara®, and Twaron® fibers and two- and three-dimensionally woven, braided, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. This control of fabrication and processing enabled us to characterize response as a function of areal density, fabric finish, and consolidation techniques. Failure was categorized in terms of material layers, debris mass, matrix cracking, fiber failure, and shear-plugging. Results indicate that shear-plugging occurs at velocities corresponding to decreases in debris mass.