Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a novel system of pristine bismaleimide (BMI) through a unique high-speed shear mix (HSSM) processing method. This method produces material with an impact strength three to four times greater than the typical BMI. While carbon fiber reinforced BMI composites have long been known for their high-strength and heat-resistant qualities, the brittleness of the material makes it vulnerable to impact-induced damage. This centrifuge-based HSSM method, however, rearranges the molecular geometry of the material in order to increase its toughness and significantly reduce its brittle qualities. The resulting BMI plastic overcomes the limitations of conventional BMI and can be reproduced for large-scale utilization in a variety of industries requiring high-performance materials.

This technology also does not require the addition of chemical additives, as is typical in current models for BMI development. Without the need for extensive chemical processes, BMI’s potential for industry use increases. This Georgia Tech method allows BMI to retain its balanced performance qualities in high-impact and high-temperature scenarios while reducing its risk of damage.