Surface modification of imide containing polymers I: Catalytic groups

This paper describes basic studies of the surface modification of polyimide covered wires for insulation of electrical machines. Drain-off of the impregnating resin during production should be reduced by introduction of surface catalytic groups. 1H NMR kinetic analysis of aminolytic ring opening reaction of low molecular model compounds for polyimides showed very fast modification reactions. The catalytic effect of various functional groups on unsaturated polyester imide, acrylate and epoxy resins was investigated by DSC. Co(II)-catalysts and tertiary aliphatic amines proved highest activity for double bond containing systems and epoxy resins, respectively. Aminolytic treatment of Kapton® slides was followed by ATR-IR spectroscopy. Plate–plate rheometer measurements of epoxy resins employing tertiary amine-treated Kapton® slides proved significantly reduced gelling temperature.