Presenter(s)

Mustafa Mukhtar

Comments

3:00-4:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

Cyanate esters are used in aerospace and microelectronics because of their excellent thermal stability, superior mechanical characteristics, and favorable dielectric properties. Cyanate ester resins are typically mixed with lower-cost epoxy monomers to adjust cost, toughness, and processing capabilities. Despite the high performance of these thermosetting polymers, flame retardancy remains a challenge. This study explores blends of thermosetting cyanate ester and epoxy resin (EP/CE) enhanced with a reactive phosphorus-based flame retardant, poly(m-phenylene methylphosphonate) (PMP). Two different CE monomers were investigated (LVT and LECy). This innovative combination, previously unexplored, is designed to deliver improved flame resistance while retaining some advantages of both cyanate ester and epoxy resins. The two CE monomers were blended with the same epoxy monomer (DGEBA) in a 1:1 ratio. The effect of phosphorus concentration was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). Carbon fiber composites with a Vf of approximately 0.5 were successfully fabricated. Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA) of the composite laminates showed that PMP reduced the average Tg by up to 39°C at 3 wt% phosphorus. The flammability of the laminates was assessed with cone calorimetry, which confirmed a reduction in peak HRR by approximately 27%. The mechanical properties were assessed through three-point flexure testing. PMP integration only marginally affected flexural strength (6–15%) and modulus (7–13%).

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Donald A. Klosterman

Primary Advisor's Department

Chemical and Materials Engineering

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Engineering

Preparation, Cure, Characterization, and Mechanical Properties of Reactive Flame-Retardant Cyanate Ester/Epoxy Resin Blends and Their Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites

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