Processing and characterization of new bismaleimide matrix advanced composites

Abstract Bismaleimide polymers offer a thermostability that fills in the gap between epoxies and high temperature polyimides. Bismaleimides of the new generation overcome traditional problems of brittleness and difficult processing. The property transpositions from these tougher, hot‐melt processable resins to the corresponding carbond fiber composites are detailed, focusing on crack propagation behavior. Particularly, the mode I critical strain energy release rate ( G IC ) is compared to the mode I interlaminar G IC of the corresponding composites (both unidirectional and woven laminates). Parameters of the transposition are tried to be identified.