Metallization and APPJ treatment of Bismaleimide

TL;DR

This study explores the application of metallization and atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment on Bismaleimide (BMI) coatings, enhancing high-temperature performance and surface properties for aerospace uses.

Contribution

It introduces a novel process combining metallization and APPJ treatment on BMI coatings, improving their thermal stability and mechanical hardness for aerospace applications.

Findings

BMI coatings degrade around 370°C

APPJ treatment improves coating properties at high temperature

Vickers hardness increases in metal-BMI-metal trilayers

Abstract

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are a new breed of thermosetting resins used mainly for high temperature applications and have major usage in aerospace. FTIR studies have shown the signatures of imide, CNC stretching, malemide and N-H stretching. These BMI polymer coatings were deposited on aluminum and mild steel substrates by sprinkling powers followed by baking. Thermo gravimetric analysis and Differential scanning calorimetric studies showed the degradation temperature of these polymers around 370oC. Aluminum coatings were deposited on BMI previously deposited on Al and mild steel to make a metal-BMI-metal trilayer. These trilayers can solve the problem charging of the aircraft bodies at high altitudes. Atomic force microscopy was done to determine the morphology of the surface. Roughness and thickness measurements of the BMI coatings were carried out by surface profilometer. Vickers microhardness tests showed an increase in hardness of the metal-BMI-metal trilayer. FTIR spectrum showed signature of imides, CNC stretching, maleimide and N-H stretching in BMI. We observed that peak broadens at which shows the release of the stress during thermal treatment of the coating. The coating is subject to variable APPJ conditions which improve the properties at high temperature.