| abstract |
Curable bisimide compositions containing at least one biscitraconimide having general formula (I), wherein D is a divalent group, R is CH2-R1, and R1 is independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl groups having 1-18 carbon atoms; at least one olefinically unsaturated material, and 0-15 mole percent, based on biscitraconimide of formula (I), of a cocurable material selected from the group consisting of bismaleimides, citraconic maleimides and itaconic maleimides, wherein the mole ratio of biscitraconimide of formula (I), to olefinically unsaturated materials is from 0.12 to 4.0; are disclosed. Also disclosed are copolymeric compositions of biscitraconimides and olefinically unsaturated materials, processes for making these copolymers and articles of manufacture embodying these copolymers. These copolymers exhibit improved thermostability, high glass transition temperature, are solvent resistant and are void-free. In addition, these curable materials are easily processed due to the large melt-cure window, low viscosity of the melt, low melting points of the biscitraconimides and the fact that curing can often be accomplished without additional solvents. |