Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, electropolymerization in a substantially aqueous solution is used to form thick (e.g. greater than 2 microns or 30 weight %) and thermally stable coatings of thermoplastic materials onto electrically conductive filler materials (e.g. rods, plates, fibers). In a first preferred embodiment, the thick thermoplastic matrix comprises a copolymer of 3-carboxyphenyl meleimde and styrene. In a second preferred embodiment, cyclic (and preferably aromatic) N-substituted methacrylamide monomers are electropolymerized onto electrically conductive (e.g., graphite) filler (e.g., fibers, plates, film or cloth) to form a novel polymer composite exhibiting high Tg as well as a controlled degree of cross-linking which can prevent flow at high temperature. This invention is particularly will suited for direct preparation of thermoplastic prepregs containing commercially available bundles of graphite fibers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, electropolymerization in a substantially aqueous solution is used to form thick (e.g. greater than 2 microns or 30 weight %) and thermally stable coatings of thermoplastic materials onto electrically conductive filler materials (e.g. rods, plates, fibers). In a first preferred embodiment, the thick thermoplastic matrix comprises a copolymer of 3-carboxyphenyl maleimide and styrene. In a second preferred embodiment, cyclic (and preferably aromatic) N-substituted methacrylamide monomers are electropolymerized onto electrically conductive (e.g., graphite) filler (e.g., fibers, plates, film or cloth) to form a novel polymer composite exhibiting high Tg as well as a controlled degree of cross-linking which can prevent flow at high temperature. This invention is particularly well suited for direct preparation of thermoplastic prepregs containing commercially available bundles of graphite fibers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, electropolymerization in a substantially aqueous solution is used to form thick (e.g. greater than 2 microns or 30 weight %) and thermally stable coatings of thermoplastic materials onto electrically conductive filler materials (e.g. rods, plates, fibers). In a preferred embodiment, the thick thermoplastic matrix comprises a copolymer of 3-carboxyphenyl maleimide and styrene. This invention is particularly well suited for direct preparation of thermoplastic prepregs containing commercially available bundles of graphite fibers. These prepregs are then molded under heat and pressure so as to form a thermoplastic matrix composite with good fiber distribution, uniformity and high temperature resistance.