Semi-interpenetrating networks of LARC-TPI

In a previous research project at NASA-Langley, a novel semi-2-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-2-IPN) was prepared from the linear, thermoplastic polyimidesulfone, and the more brittle, crosslinked, acetylene-terminated imidesulfone. Synergistic qualities such as improved thermooxidative stability and better processability were achieved from this combination. The novelty of the system lay in the fact that the structures of the linear and crosslinking components were nearly identical. This similarity in structure eliminates any phase separation problems common to many-IPNs. In a similar way, a semi-2-IPN was prepared from linear, thermoplastic LARC-TPI and acetylene-terminated LARC-TPI (ATLARC-TPI). The preparation and characterization of this system will be discussed as well as adhesive and composite data.