Degradation and stability of polyimides

Polyimides are high performance polymers designed for use at temperatures near the limits expected for purely organic materials. An understanding of the factors which influence the stability and rates of degradation of polyimides at elevated temperatures is therefore important. This review covers the literature of the last 10 years dealing with the high temperature (>300°C) degradation of polyimides. The effects of monomer structure, end groups and additives on polyimide stability are described. The influence of the method of preparation, choice of solvents, substrates and other environmental concerns on ultimate stability of these materials is also considered. Studies of the stabilization of polyimides are described as well.