Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Using Novel Phenylethynyl Imide Silanes

In this presentation, polyimide-silica hybrids using novel phenylethynyl imide silanes are reported. The phenylethynyl group is present in the organic precursor as either a pendent or an end group to bond chemically with the polyimide adhesive containing phenylethynyl groups during processing, while the silane group of the organic precursor would chemically react with the inorganic precursor through oxane bond formation. The chemical compositions of these novel hybrids were examined using X-ray mapping modes of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed a silicon gradient interphase between the high surface energy substrate and the polyimide adhesive. Novel aromatic phenylethynyl imide silanes (APEISs) and pendent phenylethynyl imide oligomeric disilanes (PPEIDSs) have been synthesized, and sol-gel solutions containing the new silanes, a phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomer (PETI-5), and an inorganic precursor were formulated to develop a gradient hybrid interphase between a titanium alloy and the adhesive. Two different sol-gel systems were investigated to develop organic-inorganic hybrids. Hybrid I was composed of an organic precursor containing both phenylethynyl and silane groups (PPEIDS) and an inorganic precursor. Functional group concentrations were controlled by the variation of the molecular weight of the imide backbone of PPEIDS. Hybrid II was composed of organic and inorganic precursors and a coupling agent containing both phenylethynyl and silane groups. Morphology and chemical composition of the hybrid interphase between the inorganic substrate and the adhesive were investigated, and the bond strength and durability were evaluated using lap shear tests at various conditions. The assessment of how the bonding at an interface is affected by various sol-gel solution compositions and environments is reported.