Publications Details
Thermal expansion of beta-eucryptite filled bismaleimide and glass/bismaleimide composites
The use of a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mineral filler ({beta}-eucryptite) is examined as a means of reducing CTE of a bismaleimide polymer (Kerimid 601). Results show that {beta}-eucryptite is effective in lowering CTE of the polymer and of glass fabric composites with a filled matrix phase. A theoretical model is presented that effectively predicts CTE of the filled BMI but underestimates the observed results by approximately 15%. The lower predicted CTE is believed to be due to poor interfacial adhesion at the {beta}-eucryptite/bismaleimide interface. Poor interfacial adhesion is supported by ultimate tensile strength results. 27 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.