A new class of high-performance thermoset resins using dicyanoimidazole (DCI) as crosslinking group: A key demo of synthesis, curing behavior and thermal properties

A novel full-aromatic dicyanoimidazole (DCI) resin monomer-2,2'-((1,4-phenylenebis(oxy))bis(4,1-phenylene)) bis(1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile) (4PODCI)was synthesized by a simple Schiff base route. A variety of research methods (including FT-IR, UV-Vis, molecular simulation, model monomer, etc.) were applied to study the curing behavior of 4PODCI, the results show that the curing reaction of 4PODCI can be accelerated by N-H on the imidazole, and triazine is observed in the cured products. The 5% weight loss (T5%) of cured 4PODCI under nitrogen and air atmosphere is as high as 591 degrees C and 558.5 degrees C respectively, and its T-g is above 500 degrees C. These results confirm the excellent thermal and thermomechanical properties of cured 4PODCI, and DCI can be employed as a new type of cross-linked elements of high-performance thermosetting resin.