This article discusses bismaleimide (BMI) chemistry and the use of BMI in composites. An analysis of the applications illustrates how the advantages of BMIs have been exploited and perhaps suggests how these advantages might be extended to other applications. The article describes the mechanical properties of BMI composites. BMIs suitable for resin transfer molding processing are provided. The article concludes with information on the elevated-temperature applications of 5250-4 BMI system.

The design and analysis of aerospace and industrial composite components and assemblies requires a detailed knowledge of materials properties, which, in turn, depend on the manufacturing, machining, and assembly methods used. This article, through several tables and graphs, provides the mechanical properties, physical properties, and service characteristics of representative composite fiber-resin combinations, including thermoplastic matrix composites such as thermoplastic polyester resins, thermoplastic polyamide resins, and thermoplastic polysulfone resins, and thermoset matrix composites such as thermoset polyester resins, thermoset phenolic resins, thermoset epoxy resins, thermoset polyimide resins, and thermoset bismaleimide resins.

This article discusses the types, properties, and uses of continuous-fiber-reinforced composites, including glass, carbon, aramid, boron, continuous silicon carbide, and aluminum oxide fiber composites. While polyester and vinyl ester resins are the most used matrix materials for commercial applications, epoxy resins, bismaleimide resins, polyimide resins, and thermoplastic resins are used for aerospace applications. The article addresses design considerations as well as product forms and fabrication processes.

This article discusses the thermal properties of engineering plastics and elastomers with respect to chemical composition, chain configuration, and base polymer conformation as determined by thermal analysis. It describes the processing of base polymers with or without additives and their response to chemical, physical, and mechanical stresses whether as an unfilled, shaped article or as a component of a composite structure. It summarizes the basic thermal properties of thermoplastics and thermosets, including thermal conductivity, temperature resistance, thermal expansion, specific heat, and glass transition temperature. It also provides information on polyimide and bismaleimide resin systems. Representative examples of different types of engineering thermoplastics are discussed primarily in terms of structure and thermal properties.

This article discusses the materials and properties of polymer-matrix composites to characterize each generic material according to its composition and method of manufacture. It contains a table that lists the key physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, and in-service conditions of concern for resin-matrix composites. Axes definitions, symbols, and special property calculations for composite material property tests are reviewed. The article provides an overview of the performance capabilities of selected polymer-matrix composite materials such as thermoplastic-matrix composites and thermoset-matrix composites. The thermoplastic-matrix composites include thermoplastic polyester resins and fiber resin composites; thermoplastic polyamide resins and fiber-resin composites; and thermoplastic polysulfone resins and fiber-resin composites.

This article provides a summary of the concepts discussed in the articles under the Section “Constituent Materials” in ASM Handbook, Volume 21: Composites. The Section describes the major matrix resins and reinforcing fibers used in composite materials, as well as some of the intermediate material forms available for composite fabrication.

This article describes the most significant tests to characterize the properties of constituent materials. It discusses the chemical, physical, and mechanical tests for determining the properties of reinforcement fibers and fabrics. The article provides information on some of the basic materials used for thermoset and thermoplastic resin matrices. It reviews the identification of the individual characteristics of thermoset and thermoplastic resin along with the test methods normally used for their determination. The article contains a table that lists properties and tests for uncured and cured thermoset-matrix resins and prepregs.

The prepreg hand lay-up process is a versatile, reliable, cost-effective, and high quality process for fabricating large or small components. This article discusses the technique characteristics and applications of the process. It describes the stages involved in the process of lay-up, namely, lay-up definition, ply-kit cutting, layup, debulking, and preparation for curing. The article concludes with a discussion on the component properties and design guidelines of the prepreg hand lay-up process.

Cyanate ester resins are a family of high-temperature thermosetting resins that bridge the gap in thermal performance between engineering epoxy and high-temperature polyimides. This article discusses the chemistry, properties and characteristics of the cyanate ester resins. It describes the processing procedures for the cyanate ester resins and provides information on properties for selected applications, such as space applications, radomes, and printed circuit boards.

A thermosetting resin, or thermoset, is a synthetic organic polymer that cures to a solid, infusible mass by forming a three-dimensional network of covalent chemical bonds. Significant applications include construction and thermoset engineering plastics. This article discusses the general and family characteristics of thermosetting resin families, including allyls, aminos (urea formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde), cyanates, epoxies, polybenzimidazoles, unsaturated polyesters, thermoset polyimides, phenolics, and vinyl esters. It also explains processing methods, including curing and curing agents. The article provides descriptions of commercial product forms and the wide array of applications of thermosetting resins. It also tabulates the performance properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical resistance) of some families of unfilled or unreinforced thermosetting resins and reinforced or filled grades.