Polyimide

Description

A polymer formed from the condensation product of an aromatic dianhydride and an aromatic diisocyanate. Polyimides are similar to polyamides but much more heat resistant. They can be formulated as either thermoplastic or thermosetting resins and have been used for adhesives, binders, and fibers. Polyimide fibers (P-84®) were developed in Austria. They have good chemical resistance and are flame retardant. Polyimide fibers are used in nonwoven fabrics, emission filters, and some types of protective clothing, especially in Europe.

FTIR

Synonyms and Related Terms

PI; poliimida (Esp.); polyimide (Fr.); poliimida (Port.)

Examples: Vespel® [DuPont]; P-84® [Inspec]; Meldin® [Saint-Gobain];

Risks

Nonflammable

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Melting Point = >315
• Cross section of fiber is multi-lobal and irregular

Resources and Citations

• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988

• Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990

• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000

• Textile World: www.textileworld.com/categories/9905/fibers.html