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We have investigated the polymerization of polypropargylic butanedioldimeth-acrylate derivatives using electron and x-ray irradiation. The results obtained with the pure resin and carbon-fibre-based composites were compared in terms of kinetics, mechanisms and properties with those obtained by thermal polymerization. Data gathered using a panoply of solid state physicochemical techniques have shown that these polymers are good systems for obtaining composites having high thermal stability at temperatures higher than 350°C.

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In the context of radiation-induced polymerization of bismaleimide monomers, we have investigated the polymerization mechanisms and kinetics of a bismaleimide/vinyl-pyrrolidone system. Several parameters were considered, including the type of dose (electrons or x-rays), power, presence of a catalyst and the carbon fibre filler. To this end, we developed a methodology based on physicochemical studies by infrared absorption spectroscopy and solid state 3CNMR (CP-MAS) in order to quantify the chemical species created or residuals in the cross-linked network. The results (progression of the reaction and structure of the network formed) were correlated with thermal behaviour and compared with those obtained by thermal polymerization. Using an optimized formulation, we determined the thermal and mechanical properties of these radiation-polymerized prepolymers and composites.

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