Reactive polyimides for addition to thermosetting resins, and process for preparation of same

摘要

Thermoplastics containing imide groups in the polymer backbone, soluble in an unmodified state, are rendered reactive with thermosetting resins by partial conversion of the polymer backbone to provide reactive groups. The modified polymer may be added as microspheres to a thermosetting resin, subsequently crosslinking therewith supressing solvent sensitivity in a fiber reinforced matrix composite comprising the toughened resin as the matrix therefore. The modified polymer microspheres retain their physical identity in the cured composite structure.