Polyimides A New Class Of Heat Resistant Polymers

May 1993

Definitions of what is meant by a heat-resistant polymer vary considerably. We have taken the term to mean a polymer which can be used, at least for short time periods, at temperatures from 150°C. The greatest problem which arises in writing a monograph on such materials is the tremendous amount of data that is available. More than 2000 references have been published on one heat-resistant polymer system alone over a period of little more than two years. The result is that a very high degree of selectivity must be exercised with respect to the information reproduced. We have chosen to restrict our coverage to polymers that have received at least some degree of commercial exploitation and to details of their methods of preparation, their thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities and modes of degradation, and their properties at elevated temperatures. It must be emphasized that other properties not cited, e. g. , hydrolytic and chemical stability, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, may be equally important in particular uses of these materials. The "older" heat-resistant polymers, e. g. , the thermosets and some of the fluorine-containing materials, are not dealt with in such depth as are the "newer" polymers with aromatic and/or heterocyclic rings in the chain. This is because books have been available for some time on the well-established commercial polymers and developments in them have not been as marked re cently as in the aromatic and heterocyclic macromolecules.

The topics covered in this proceedings volume include: Synthesis, characterization and processing (including some novel approaches) of a variety of polyimides and other high temperature polymers; structure-property relationships; segmental dynamics in polyimide materials; photoalignable polyimides; photoconductivity and photosensitivity of polyimides; ultrafiltration membranes from polyetherimide; polymer materials for nonlinear optical applications; alignment of SWNTs in rigid-rod polymer compositions; surface modification of polyimide; adhesion of Cu to polyimide surfaces; and polyimide erosion in a low Earth orbit space environment.

This volume chronicles the proceedings of the International Symposium on Polyimides and Other High Temperature Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications, held in Newark, New Jersey, November 29 – December 1, 1999. Polyimides constitute an important class of materials because of their many desirable traits, for example: low dielectric constant, high breakdown voltage, good planarization, wear resistance, radiation resistance, inertness to solvents, good adhesion properties, good hydrolytic stability, low thermal expansion, long-term stability and excellent mechanical properties.This volume contains a total of 21 papers, all rigorously peer reviewed and revised before inclusion, addressing many aspects and new developments in polyimides and other high temperature polymers. The book is divided into two parts: “Synthesis, Properties and Bulk Characterization†and “ Interfacial or Adhesion Aspects and Applicationsâ€. The topics covered include: structure-property relationships in polyimides; photochemistry and photophysics of polyimides; thermal and UV laser pyrolyses of polyimides; residual stress evaluation in polyimides; synthesis and characterization of a variety of polyimides; high Tg polyimide; fluorinated polyimides; highly oriented polyimide films; high-temperature aromatic copolymer thermosets; shape-memory polymers; polyimides as liquid crystal alignment layers; surface properties of polyimides; metal-containing polyimides for optoelectronic applications; polyimide L-B films; polyimides coated with copper sulfide; carbon fiber/polyimide composites; and simulations of the polyimide/silica interface.This volume offers a wealth of information and represents current commentary on the R&D activity taking place in the technologically highly important field of polyimides and other high temperature polymers and is of value and interest to anyone interested in the fundamental or applied aspects of this topic.

A gathering of leading experts in the field of high temperature polymers unite in this exciting compilation to discuss applications and marketing projections in this ever-expanding field. The authors represent a diverse group of academicians, industrial researchers, consultants, managers, and marketing forecasters and present a broad-based view of polymer technology. Topics include: liquid crystalline polymers; high temperature polyimides; heat-resistant engineering polymers; and high temperature organic polymers, including their chemistry and key functional properties in moldings, films, fibers, and coatings, as well as applications in electronics, packaging, and friction/wear. This is an essential source of data on high temperature polymers.

Fluoropolymers are used in applications demanding service at enhanced temperature while maintaining their structural integrity and have excellent combination of chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Advancements in materials and processing technology mean that a huge amount of research is currently taking place into new, high performance applications for specialty fluorinated polymers. This book is a complete review of the current research in synthesizing new fluorinated high performance polymers and their application in the field of low dielectric constant materials, membrane based separation (gas and liquid) and proton exchange membranes. Special emphasis is given to the preparation of soluble high performance polymers by incorporating fluorine and different structural elements so as to use these classes of polymers in different membrane based applications, including low dielectric constant materials, gas separation, pervaporation, proton exchange membranes in fuel cells, and more. The coverage of processing properties and commercial aspects - as well as a practical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of specialty fluoropolymers compared to other materials - enables engineers and product designers to apply the latest scientific developments in this area in a practical setting. Thorough coverage of modern applications for specialty fluorinated polymers, including membranes and coatings – giving insight into recent research and the future direction of this technology Brings researchers and engineers up to date with the latest developments in specialty fluoropolymers, to assist in future materials research and part design Includes detailed assessment of the advantages and shortcomings of specialty fluorinated polymers, for ease of comparison with alternative materials