Polyimides: synthesis properties, characterization and applications

Polyimides due to their excellent electrical and mechanical properties and high thermal, chemical and dimensional stability have received great attention. There are many different synthetic routes to polyimides, the most popular is the reaction of aromatic dianhydrides with aromatic diamines in aprotic polar solvents through precursor poly(amic acid)s that are subsequently converted to the polyimides. Other methods for synthesis of polyimides are containing reaction of a diisocyanate and a dianhydride, imide exchange, mitsunobu reaction, and coupling by using organometals. These polymers are already used for many important industrial applications such as films, fibers, foams, membranes, binders, varnishes, plastics, composites, glues, adhesives, injection molding products and in the electronic industries as an insulator for microelectronic devices. This chapter provides an overview of the most recent and exciting developments in the field of synthesis methods, modified properties, and novel applications of polyimides and their copolymers. © Scrivener Publishing LLC.