| Abstract: | We have studied cross-linking and thermal degradation of high-performance first-and second-generation PMR-15 polyimides, both thermoset and thermoplastic versions, by performing nonspectroscopic NMR solid echo T*2 relaxation measurements at temperatures up to 430°C using probes built for this purpose. We employ signal averaging and automated decomposition of the relaxation decays into two Gaussian components, the slower of which gradually appears above 300°C. Tracking the molecular mobility spectrum in terms of the relative intensity of the components and their relaxation times as temperature is cycled, we detect essentially no irreversible effects below the glass transition, measure permanent mobility reductions attributable to completion of cure, and find that exposure to temperatures above 380°C on the order of 1 h is required for substantial thermal degradation to occur. These results are closely supported by thermal and mechanical measurements on parallel specimens. Second-generation PMR resins appear to have higher microscopic rigidity and reduced viscous fraction at high temperatures. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
