Development of polyphenylquinoxaline graphite composites.

The potential of polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ)/graphite composites to serve as structural material at 316 C (600 F) has been demonstrated using a block copolymer, BICo(1:3), PPQ derivative. Initially, 13 polyphenylquinoxalines were evaluated. From this work, four candidate polymers were selected for preliminary evaluation as matrices for HMS graphite fiber reinforced composites. The preliminary composite evaluation enabled selection of one of the four polymers for advanced composite preparation and testing. Using an experimentally established cure schedule for each of the four polymers, preliminary laminates of 50% resin volume content, prepared without postcure, were tested for flexure strength and modulus, interlaminar shear strength (short beam), tensile strength, and modulus of ambient temperature. The potential of PPQ/graphite laminates to serve as short term structural materials at temperatures up to 371 C (700 F) was demonstrated through weight loss experiments.