Study of High-Performance Polyimide Foams

This report describes an experimental study of thermal-stability, mechanical, and flammability properties of foams of several different densities made of three different polyimides. The study was performed because (1) prior such studies were performed on polyimide films rather than foams and (2) the synthesis of polyimide foams is a relatively recent development. There is a need to determine the suitability of each foam for potential applications — for example, as flame retarders, thermal and acoustic insulators, gaskets, seals, vibration-damping pads, spacers in adhesives and sealants, extenders, and flow and leveling aids.