Recent development of polyimides: Synthesis, processing, and application in gas separation

Abstract

High-performance polymers have been concomitant with advanced technology for half a century. With the advancement of synthetic chemistry, the recent development of high-performance polymers has provided superior properties and enabled wide applications. This article reviews recent research progress in aromatic high-performance polymers. Particularly, we focus on the synthesis and processing of polyimides, as well as the application in gas separation membranes. We begin with a brief introduction to highlight important history and physiochemical characteristics of polyimides. Then, we review the various synthesis methods, followed by recent advances for improving processability. Finally, we evaluate the use of high-performance polymers in gas separation membranes with focus given to the key issues of plasticization and aging. Overall, the information presented herein provides an up-to-date overview of high-performance polymers, polyimides particularly, and serves as a guide for further research involving the applications in membrane technologies.

Thermally stable poly(urethane‐imide)s with enhanced hydrophilicity for waterproof‐breathable textile coatings

“…[20][21][22][23] Among high-temperature stable polymers, polyimides are an important class with excellent mechanical, electrical properties, inherent flame retardancy, and so forth. [24][25][26][27] To combine the properties of polyurethane and polyimides, researchers have synthesized poly(urethaneimide)s and studied their properties. Tang et al synthesized thermoplastic poly(urethane-imides)s based on diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA) as hard segments and poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG) as soft segments and have reported significant improvement in thermo-mechanical properties as compared to polyurethanes.…”

Hydrothermal aging of polyimide film

“…More specifically, polyimides are frequently used as insulating coatings for wires/electronics as well as high temperature structural adhesives. Other applications for polyimides that have been studied extensively include reinforced nanocomposites 3 and gas separation membranes 4 . Furthermore, there is a significant interest in the use of polyimides in optoelectronic display technologies; however, low processability (due to a lack of solubility) as well as poor optical transparency are challenges that must first be overcome 5…”

“…Other applications for polyimides that have been studied extensively include reinforced nanocomposites 3 and gas separation membranes. 4 Furthermore, there is a significant interest in the use of polyimides in optoelectronic display technologies; however, low processability (due to a lack of solubility) as well as poor optical transparency are challenges that must first be overcome. 5 The remarkable thermal stability of polyimides is attributed to a very rigid, aromatic structure.…”

Novel cardo‐type heat‐resistant polyimides bearing 9H‐xanthene and polymer‐based nanocomposite consisting of NH2‐terminated TiO2: Synthetic strategies, extraction of methylene blue dye, and biological activities

“…PIs are widely applied in automobile, semiconductor, electronics, and aerospace fields, and so forth, due to their outstanding properties. [17][18][19][20][21] However, stiff backbones, powerful inter-molecular interactions, and charge transfer complex of PIs have caused an increase in their glass/melt transition temperatures and insignificant solubility in organic solvents, which may limit their application in some fields. 22,23 Abundant efforts have been made to improve processing virtues of PIs, especially, by enhancing their fusibility and solubility, while keeping thermal constancy.…”

“…As an example of these materials, one can mention aromatic polyimides (PI)s, offering an extensive range of attributes, such as good barrier, non‐flammability, transparency, thermal stability, low dielectric constant, high chemical resistance, and radiation resistance. PIs are widely applied in automobile, semiconductor, electronics, and aerospace fields, and so forth, due to their outstanding properties 17–21 . However, stiff backbones, powerful inter‐molecular interactions, and charge transfer complex of PIs have caused an increase in their glass/melt transition temperatures and insignificant solubility in organic solvents, which may limit their application in some fields 22,23 .…”