Polyimide (PI)
Polyimide is a high-performance engineering polymer known for its exceptional thermal stability, outstanding mechanical strength, and reliable performance in extreme environments. Unlike many thermoplastics, polyimide maintains its properties at very high temperatures while offering excellent wear resistance and dimensional stability.
These characteristics make polyimide an ideal choice for demanding applications involving continuous heat, friction, and mechanical stress, where conventional plastics and even some metals fail. Polyimide is widely used in aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial applications requiring long-term reliability.
Polyimide Properties Overview
Polyimide stands out for its ability to operate continuously at elevated temperatures while maintaining mechanical integrity. While it does not offer the chemical inertness of fluoropolymers, polyimide excels in high-temperature, high-wear, and precision applications where strength and stability are critical.
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Temperature Performance
- Continuous operating temperature up to 572 °F (300 °C)
- Short-term exposure possible up to 750 °F (400 °C)
- Retains mechanical properties better than most engineering plastics at elevated temperatures
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Chemical Resistance
- Good resistance to oils, fuels, and many solvents
- Not recommended for strong acids, bases, or steam exposure
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Dimensional Stability
- Low thermal expansion
- Maintains tight tolerances under thermal cycling and continuous heat exposure
- Suitable for precision machined components
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Mechanical Strength
- High tensile and compressive strength
- Excellent resistance to creep under continuous load
- Maintains stiffness and strength over a wide temperature range
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Electrical Properties
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Stable dielectric properties at high temperatures
- Suitable for electrically insulating components in harsh environments