A SURVEY OF HIGH TEMPERATURE PROPERTIES OF POLYIMIDE COMPOSITES

This survey presents a comprehensive overview of commercially available polyimides, their chemistry, processing techniques, and typical mechanical properties, specifically in the context of high-temperature applications. The objective of the study is to identify and evaluate the desirable characteristics that high-temperature polymeric systems must possess, such as easy preparation of tape and prepreg, good shelf-life, acceptable quality control, and excellent performance under extreme temperatures. The methodology involved a thorough review of existing literature on high-temperature polymers, particularly focusing on the progression of material development since the mid-1950s. The results indicate that while no single polymeric system currently meets all the ideal criteria for use as laminating resins, polyimide-based systems emerge as the most promising option due to their capacity to satisfy many of the essential requirements. The findings reveal that polyimides and their modifications are now at the forefront of both industrial and governmental research, as they offer significant advantages in terms of processing capabilities and mechanical performances needed for high-temperature structural applications.