Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) 370 Resin for High-Temperature Applications

RTM370 imide resin was developed to address the limitations of conventional imide resins, which are generated from commercially available symmetrical biphenyl dianhydride and oxydiani-line (ODA). These resins form symmetrical dianhydride or diamine compounds that result in a substance with much higher viscosity than is viable for RTM, RFI, and VARTM.

This novel, solvent-free process generates high-performing RTM370 imide resins.

RTM370 harnesses the unique properties of asymmetric biphenyl dianhydride (a-BPDA) used in combination with a kinked ODA and a 4-(Phenylethynyl) phthalic anhydride endcap to form a mixture that can be melted without the use of solvents, and achieve the desired low-melt viscosity. RTM370 displays a high softening temperature (Tg = 370 °C) and can be melted at 260 to 280 °C. It can then be injected into fiber preforms under pressure (200 psi) or through a vacuum (VARTM) to form composites with excellent toughness. The resin can also be made into powder prepregs by melting the resin powders so that they fuse onto fibers.

Recently, carbon-fiber-filled RTM370 imide resins have been fabricated into composites by laser sintering. This exciting advancement in additive manufacturing represents a new frontier for high-temperature composites.

Not only are RTM370 composites lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant, but they also possess outstanding abrasion resistance and significant thermo-oxida-tive stability (as demonstrated in long-term isothermal aging at 288 °C for 1,000 hours). In summary, this groundbreaking approach yields a vastly superior resin for fabricating high-quality composites with improved performance, durability, and adaptability. RTM370's unique, solventfree melt process is simpler, more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective than competing systems, lending it broad appeal for a variety of Earth-based applications.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact the Technology Transfer Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 216-433-3484. Follow this link here for more information.