What are the properties and applications of polyimide?
Thermal properties
Polyimide remains stable at temperatures from -270 °C to +400 °C, making it suitable for high-temperature environments in aerospace and electrical engineering.
Mechanical properties
- High strength and load capacity under tension and compression
- Abrasion resistance for components under friction
- Radiation resistance against UV and ionising radiation
Typical applications
- Electrical engineering: insulation in printed circuit boards and transformers
- Aerospace: heat shields, seals, structural components
- Medicine: membranes for dialysis and seawater desalination
- Automotive industry: seals and protective layers for engine components
Brand names for polyimide products
Kapton and Vespel
- Kapton: DuPont polyimide film for electrical insulation purposes
- Vespel: solid polyimide for mechanical applications such as bearings and seals
Other brands for polyimide
- P84: aromatic polyimide in filtration systems
- Celazole: high-temperature resistant polyimides for industrial applications
Polyimide tape for high-temperature applications
Properties
- Usable between -269 °C and +350 °C
- Outstanding electrical insulation
- Chemical resistance to oils, solvents and acids
- Low outgassing (important for vacuum applications)
Applications
- Protection and insulation of printed circuit boards, cables and electrical connections
- High-performance applications in aerospace and satellite electronics
- 3D printing: print bed adhesion
- Industrial manufacturing: protective layers during painting and coating processes
Why choose polyimide tape?
Polyimide tape offers a unique combination of thermal resistance, electrical insulation and chemical resistance that qualifies it for the most demanding applications. It retains its properties even under extreme conditions.
Polyimide in electrical engineering
Polyimide offers excellent electrical insulation capability for printed circuit boards and transformers. It retains its insulating properties during soldering and high-temperature processes. In PCBs it is used as a base material or protective layer to minimise electrical and thermal loads.
Thermoplastic polyimide
Thermoplastic variants of polyimide can be melted and formed into complex shapes. They combine the resistance of polyimide with the processing flexibility of thermoplastics.
Specific applications
- High-temperature seals for aviation
- Abrasion-resistant bearings for machinery
- Technical components for the automotive industry
Materials for the manufacture of polyimide semi-finished products
Process steps
- Polycondensation of aromatic monomers at high temperatures
- Forming by extrusion or pressing into sheets, rods and films
- Modification with additives (graphite, PTFE) to optimise specific properties
Polyimide is produced from aromatic acids and amides that ensure high thermal and chemical resistance.
Why is polyimide ideal for high-temperature applications?
The aromatic molecular structure of polyimide gives the material its exceptional thermal stability. Unlike many other plastics, polyimide only begins to decompose at temperatures well above 400 °C, making it the material of choice for applications where others fail.
Polyimide in aerospace
Polyimide is lightweight, durable and withstands extreme temperatures. In aerospace it is used for:
- Heat shields for engines
- Mechanical seals for pressure-tight connections
- Cable insulation for aircraft and satellites
GOBA Takeaway
Polyimide is an indispensable high-performance plastic that excels through its thermal, chemical and mechanical resistance. With brands such as Kapton and Vespel, it demonstrates its versatility in electrical engineering, aerospace and automotive manufacturing. For extreme environments where other materials fail, polyimide is the material of choice.