High Performance Polymers, 2nd Edition

15 Poly(imide)s

In 1951, Flory reported the condensation reac-

tion of diacid chlorides, e.g., with potassium salts of

imides, such as, the condensation of sebacoyl chlo-

ride with potassium phthalimide [1]. In this way, N-

acyl diimides are formed. Flory pointed out the pos-

sibility of forming polymers, when components with

higher functionality are used. Poly(imide)s(PI)s

1

from

pyromellitic acid were reported in 1955 by Edwards

and Maxwell at DuPont [2]. The diamines used were

of an aliphatic nature. Later, in addition, aromatic

diamines were used [3]. The two major types of PIs

are:

• The thermoset type, and

• The thermoplastic type.

Poly(ether imide)s