An Investigation of the High Performance of a Novel Type of Benzobisoxazole Fiber Based on 3,3-Diaminobenzidine

The mechanical and thermal properties of poly{2,6-diimidazo[4,5-b:4′5′-e] pyridinylene-1,4(2,5-dihydroxy) phenylene} (PIPD)-3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB) fibers were analyzed. Compared to other types of benzimidazole fiber structures and properties, PIPD-DAB is distinguished by a unique combination of strength, tensile modulus, and thermal properties. The PIPD polymer was prepared from 2,3,5,6-tetra-aminopyridine (TAP) and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHTA) in polyphosphoric acid (PPA). In order to enhance the tensile strength and modulus, a third comonomer, 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB), was incorporated into the PIPD molecular structure. The change in molecular structure was recorded using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Compared to the PIPD fibers (average tensile strength of PIPD is 3.9 GPa, average tensile modulus of PIPD is 287 GPa), the tensile strength and modulus of PIPD-DAB increased to 4.2 and 318 GPa, respectively. In addition, the thermal decomposition temperature of the PIPD fibers is enhanced by 35 °C, due to the incorporated DAB. PIPD-DAB is a promising material for use under high tensile loads and/or high temperatures.