Processing and properties of low-temperature cure carbon fiber-reinforced bismaleimide composite

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are used in carbon fiber reinforced composites for high-temperature applications. Conventional BMI require high cure and post-cure processing temperatures, which limit fabrication methods contribute to residual stress microcracking. Recently, BMIs with lower temperatures have been developed; however, little data on the properties of low-temperature carbon/BMI available open literature. In this study, a resin system, referred here as BMI-2, were evaluated. Along evaluation neat properties, multi-directional woven BMI-2 composite laminates fabricated by an out-of-autoclave, vacuum-bag-only infusion method. New mechanical, thermal, moisture absorption presented. It was found that method produced volume fraction approximately 55% immeasurably low void content. attain degree 96% glass transition temperature 366°C following 163°C cycle. Cured did not suffer from process-induced cracking at inter- or intra-laminar levels. Tensile strength modulus quasi-isotropic specimens AS4 443 MPa 47.6 GPa, respectively, failure under quasi-static tension occurred delamination. Compression stable across wide range, retaining 60% their room compression 260°C. Equilibrium content 1.2% weight.