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Novel phthalonitrile resins (BPAPNs) were prepared by blending phthalonitrile-terminated oligomeric polyaryl ether nitrile, 4,4′-(1,3-phenylenebis(oxy))diphthalonitrile (PN), and 4-amino-4-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl. The curing behavior of the blends was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and rheology measurements. Additionally, quartz fiber-reinforced composites were prepared by hot-pressing process. Thermal stability and mechanical properties of cured phthalonitrile resins and composites were characterized and discussed. Compared with that of pristine PN, the impact strength of cured BPAPNs increased by 60%, while the thermal properties were not sharply compromised. Additionally, the maximum bending strength of BPAPNs composites reached 855 MPa, which was 56% higher than that of pristine PN. The current method shed light on the toughening of phthalonitrile resins, and the corresponding phthalonitrile resins could be used as the matrix for high-performance composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to effects of organized education by television on knowledge of early stroke symptoms among a Chinese rural population.