Synthesis and characterization of bismaleimide–polyurethane crosslinked copolymers

A series of novel crosslinked copolymers of bismaleimide (BMI) and polyurethanes (PU) were prepared by direct copolymerization of BMI monomer and urethane‐modified bismaleimide (UBMI). The copolymers were characterized by FT‐IR and solid state 13C‐NMR. The reaction rate of the BMI monomer can be significantly increased by copolymerization with UBMI. The crosslinked copolymers show good mechanical properties and high thermal stability. Studies on glass transition temperatures and dynamic mechanical properties indicate that the copolymer is a homogeneous system as the polyester‐type PU employed. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the copolymer illustrated a one‐phase structure of the cured resins when the polyester‐type PU was incorporated.