In efforts to characterize and understand the properties and processing of phenylethynylterminated imide (LaRC PETI-5, simply referred to as PETI-5) oligomers and polymers as a high-temperature sizing material for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites, PETI-5 imidization and thermal curing behaviors have been extensively investigated based on the phenylethynyl end-group reaction. These studies are reviewed here. In addition, the use of PETI-5 to enhance interfacial adhesion between carbon fibers and a bismaleimide (BMI) matrix, as well as the dynamic mechanical properties of carbon/BMI composites, are discussed. Reports on the thermal expansion behavior of intercalated graphite flake, and the effects of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) on the properties of PETI-5 matrix composites are also reviewed. The dynamic mechanical and thermal properties and the electrical resistivity of xGnP/PETI-5 composites are characterized. The effect of liquid rubber amine-terminated poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) (ATBN)-coated xGnP particles incorporated into epoxy resin on the toughness of xGnP/epoxy composites is examined in terms of its impact on Izod strength. This paper provides an extensive overview from fundamental studies on PETI-5 and xGnP, as well as applied studies on relevant composite materials.Key words: polyimide, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets, carbon fiber, composite, properties
Phenylethynyl-Terminated Imide PolymerPolyimides have been extensively used in the electronics industry [1] as coatings, films, or adhesives and also in composite applications [2] as a primary or secondary structural material. When incorporated with organic or inorganic fibers, including carbon fibers and glass fibers, they can potentially be applied as a sizing material for high-temperature uses. In advanced applications, one of the most desirable advantages of polyimides, especially the aromatic polyimides, is their excellent high-temperature performance. Their thermal characteristics, including high temperature stability and cure behavior, are critical to successful processing and to the final properties of the resulting polyimide. For aerospace and aircraft applications, advanced polymer materials must successfully maintain their properties at high service temperatures over a long exposure time [3][4][5].The important parameters influencing the heat resistance of a polymeric material are its glass transition temperature (T g ), melting point (T m ), thermal stability, and etc., which may depend on its thermal history. Accordingly, polymers that are used to fulfill such high temperature performance should exhibit a high T g or T m and have excellent thermal stability. Even though some polyimides meet the high temperature requirement, their uses have been limited due to processing difficulties, such as poor solubility in common solvents, the release of volatiles, brittleness, and high processing temperature [6,7].Aromatic polyimides, especially acetylene or ethynyl-terminated polyimides, have been extensiv...