Polyimidartigen

Polyimidartigen is a term used in some German-language sources to describe polymeric materials that are imide-containing or imide-like, i.e., polyimide-like polymers. The term is not standard in international polymer literature, where such materials are more commonly referred to as polyimides, imide-containing polymers, or polyamide-imides. Polyimidartigen therefore denotes a broad class that includes polyimides, polyamide-imide blends, and related imide-functional polymers whose backbone includes imide rings or imide linkages.

Chemistry and structure: The defining feature is the imide functional group (-CO-N-CO-), typically formed by condensation of dianhydrides with diamines in polyimides, generating thermally stable heterocycle rings within the chain. Depending on the monomers, polymers can vary in rigidity, glass transition, and solubility. Some polyimidartigen materials may include flexible spacers, siloxane segments, or other co-monomers to improve processing and toughness.

Properties and applications: They generally exhibit high thermal stability, high mechanical strength, low creep, excellent chemical resistance, and favorable dielectric properties, making them suitable for electronics, aerospace, membranes, protective coatings, and advanced packaging. Processing can be challenging due to limited solubility and high melt viscosity, thus solution casting, precursor routes (polyamic acids), or copolymerization with flexible segments are common strategies.

Synthesis and processing considerations: Imidization can be performed thermally or chemically to convert polyamic acids to polyimides. Solubility can be enhanced by using alternative diamines or incorporating flexible linkages. Environmental resistance and moisture sensitivity depend on the specific imide chemistry and comonomers.