Polymer Processing Studies

Advanced Polymer Processing

Dual Resin Bonding

Joining studies on thermoplastic matrix composites without special surface treatments or tooling have addressed process variations and joint performance. These studies were performed using carbon fiber reinforced PEEK adherends and PEI as the miscible polymer. Testing of joint strength was performed over the temperature range from -150C to 150C. The bonding technique was found to be very insensitive to surface preparation and consistantly yielded high bond strengths. Later work has investigated the effects of varying time and temperature during processing on the mode of failure and ultimate performance.

LaRC-IA and LaRC-SI

Research investigates processing and performance of these NASA Langley patented thermoplastic materials. Test coupons, both neat and particulate-filled, are produced by compression molding and tested in tension and flexure. Small-scale injection molding is being pursued, as are micro-composites of these materials. Data has been obtained at temperatures ranging from -150C to 150C. Processing research has indicated the ability to make measurable changes to the material microstructure.

LaRC_molded
homogen

Related Publications

Journal Articles

  • Radford, D.W. and Zelenak, S., “Effect of Flux Temperature on Dual Resin Bond Performance”, Journal of Advanced Materials, Vol. 25, No.2, January 1994, pp.54 – 62.
  • Zelenak, S., Radford, D.W. and Dean, M.W., “Dual Resin Bonded Joints in Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Matrix Composites”, SAMPE Quarterly, Vol. 24, No.3, April 1993, pp.38 – 46.

Conference Proceedings

  • Harper, T.W. and Radford, D.W., “A Quantitative Approach to Determining the Foaming Parameters for Polymers”, 36th International SAMPE Technical Conference, SanDiego, CA, Nov. 15 – 18, 2004.
  • Perica-Tripalo, A. and Radford, D.W., “Montmorillonite Nanoclays as Reinforcements in Thermoplastic Polyimide Matrix Nanocomposites”, 36th International SAMPE Technical Conference, SanDiego, CA, Nov. 15 – 18, 2004.
  • Olivero, D.A. and Radford, D.W., “Mechanical Performance of Compression Molded and Injection Molded Blends of LaRC Polyimide and Polyetherimide (PEI)”, ICCM-11, Gold Coast, Australia, July 14 – 18, 1997.
  • Zelenak, S., Radford, D.W., and Dean, M.W., “The Performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Sub-Assemblies Joined Using the Dual Resin Bonding Approach”, 37th International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition, Anaheim, CA., March 1992.

Related Theses

  • Harper, T.W., “A Quantitative Approach to Determining the Foamability and Optimal Foaming Parameters of New Polymers”, MS Thesis, Colorado State University, Fall 2003.
  • Perica, A. “Montmorillonite Nanoclays and Ceramic Nanoparticulates as Candidate Reinforcements in Thermoplastic Polyimide Matrix Nanocomposites”, MS Thesis, Colorado State University, Summer 2003.
  • Zelenak, S., “Joint Morphology of Dual Resin Bonded Carbon Fiber/PEEK/PEI Composites”, MS Thesis, Colorado State University, Spring 1993.