Processing and flammability parameters of bismaleimide and some other thermally stable resin matrices for composites

The effect of processing variables on the flammability and mechanical properties of state-of-the-art and advanced resin matrices for graphite composites were studied. Resin matrices which were evaluated included state-of-the-art epoxy, phenolic-novolac, phenolic-Xylok, two types of bismaleimides, benzyl, polyethersulfone, and polyphenylsulfone. Comparable flammability and thermochemical data on graphite-reinforced laminates prepared with these resin matrices are presented, and the relationship of some of these properties to the anaerobic char yield of the resins is described.