High-temperature resins based on aromatic amine-terminated bisaspartimides

Various 4,4′-bis{N²-[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]aspartimido}diphenylmethane (APADM)-type precursors were synthesized by Michael-type reaction of an aromatic bismaleimide (1mol) with an aromatic diamine (2 mol) in an aprotic solvent. The structures of these materials were characterized by using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ¹³C-NMR; their curing behaviors and thermal stabilities were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal polymerization of APADM by heating it above its melting temperature produced a tough polymer. From these preimidized precursors, graphite-fiber laminates were prepared and their mechanical properties evaluated. To elucidate the thermal curing mechanism and the structure of the polymer, a model compound, N-[4-(4′-aminobenzyl) phenyl] aspartimidobenzene was synthesized. The gas-chromatographic mass spectra of these compounds has suggested a mechanism for their decomposition. The structure of the polymer also was studied by using FT-IR and ¹H-NMR.