Hyperbranched polymers, specifically hyperbranched poly(arylene ether ketone imide)s (HBPAEKI), are here studied as blend additives in thermoset composites to improve processing and ultimate performance properties of the composite. Monomer synthesis for HBPAEKI was further advanced in this work leading to higher yields, fewer reactions, and shorter production times. A five step synthetic method with an overall yield of 12% was reduced to a three step process with an overall yield of 38%. Polymer was synthesized under varying conditions and end group chemistry for use in thermoset blends. NMR characterization allowed for the assignment of chemical shifts in monomer and cataloguing of shifts in polymer for use in future work to characterize degree of branching.
Cure kinetics of blends of HBPAEKI are explored through the use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and chemorheology using small angle oscillatory shear. In a phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomer (PETI) thermoset resin, reactive phenylethynyl endcapped PAEKI (PEPAEKI) was found to retard cure while non reactive alkyl endcapped PAEKI was found to accelerate cure in DGEBA/DAH epoxy systems. Minimal effect was seen on early stage blend viscosity.
Composite properties tested focused on the effect on bulk fracture and interfacial shear strength. No significant effect was seen in fracture toughness by SENB. XPS was used to verify that PEPAEKI was surface active to DGEBA/DDS epoxy/air interfaces to the complete exclusion of the epoxy at the surface. Evidence was also seen consistent with surface activity in alkyl endcapped PAEKI in DGEBA/DAH systems, although the contrast is much lower. Effect of alkyl endcapped HBPAEKI on interfacial shear strength was examined through the use of t-peel and single fiber fracture (SFF) techniques. In some systems, t-peel indicates a clear improvement in peel force, proportional to the blend concentration. In SFF, interfacial shear strength was found to be equal or slightly reduced in the blends, although the difference was within experimental error.