Morphology and Thermal Behavior of Dicyanate Ester-Polyetherimide Semi-IPNS Cured at Different Conditions

A high-temperature thermosetting bisphenol-A dicyanate, BADCy was modified with polyetherimide, PEI, at various compositions. Phase separation and rheokinetics through curing were studied by optical microscopy, dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry, and Theological measurements. The PEI phase separated at the early stages of curing, well before gelation, and did not affect the polycyclotrimerization kinetics. The phase structure and thermal properties of the final network were investigated as a function of the PEI content and cure temperature. For this purpose, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy studies, and thermogravimetrical analysis were carried out. The morphological changes were interpreted in terms of a spinodal decomposition mechanism in the composition range studied.