Curing of polyimides

The imidization of films of the polyamic acid obtained from reaction of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) with oxydianiline (ODA) was studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (with the Polymer Labs DMTA), Two process regions are observed. The first process is characterized by decomplexation of the NMP/polyamic acid complex, plasticization, and imidization. The heating rate determines the character of the first process. At high temperatures (above 300°C) the second process becomes apparent. It is connected to the increase in chain mobility at these temperatures which allow molecular packing processes (densification, ordering) to occur. The ordering leads to an increase of the storage modulus. The particular transition temperature increases with annealing time. Copyright © 1989 Society of Plastics Engineers