Polyimide
As a class of organic resins
the polyimides exhibit outstanding engineering
properties, especially thermal stability. Their
introduction in the 1960s made significant
contributions to meet exacting demands of
industry, aerospace, military and nuclear
developments. Although polyimide resin structures
were known some years earlier, the commercial
developments by Du Pont led in 1961 to the
introduction of film (under the tradename Kapton)
and varnishes for electrical applications.
Subsequently moulding powders, laminating resins,
foams and composite materials and especially high
performance adhesives became available.
Polyimides have exceptional heat resistance,
where very high-level mechanical properties can
be sustained at temperatures of 250°C or more.
Excellent electrical, solvent resistance, flame
retardance, abrasion resistance, oxidative and
radiation resistance properties have led to a
range of critical applications.
The possible replacement of some metal and
ceramic components shows the extraordinary
advances made in the developments of organic
plastics within a short time span. Industries
such as nuclear, aerospace, electronic,
automotive, etc., as well as products such as
self-lubricating pumps, bearings and such,
indicate the true value and penetration of
polyimides from exotic engineering areas to those
of everyday life.
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