Short carbon fiber reinforced aromatic polydisulfide derived from cyclic (4,4′‐oxybis(benzene)disulfide) via ring‐opening polymerization

Morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of short carbon fiber reinforced poly(arylene disulfide) synthesized by ring‐opening reaction of cyclic(arylene disulfide) oligomers were studied. These macrocyclic oligomers were prepared from 4,4′‐oxybis(benzenethiol) by oxidation coupling cyclization. Ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) was carried out by in situ melt molding in air. Oxidation reaction during the ROP was detected using the Raman spectrum technique. Three‐point bending tests were performed to determine the flexural properties of neat polymers and the composites. The results showed that the flexural strength and modulus of poly(arylene disulfide)/carbon fiber composites were greatly enhanced with the carbon fiber addition. The maximum weight loss peak temperatures of the composites increased with increasing short carbon fiber content. Good adhesion between carbon fiber and the matrix was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.