6 Polyimides
This chapter covers a series of plastics of which
the imide group is an important part of the molecule.
The imide group is formed by a condensation reac-
tion of an aromatic anhydride group with an aromatic
amine as shown in Fig. 6.1.
This group is very thermally stable. Aliphatic
imides are possible, but the thermal stability is
reduced, and thermal stability is one of the main
reasons to use an imide-type polymer.
6.1 Polyamide-Imide
Polyamide-imides (PAIs) are thermoplastic
amorphous polymers that have useful properties:

Exceptional chemical resistance

Outstanding mechanical strength

Excellent thermal stability
Figure 6.1 Reaction of amine with anhydride to form an imide.
4,4’-diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI)
Figure 6.2 Chemical structures of monomer used to make polyamide-imides.
The Effect of Sterilization on Plastics and Elastomers. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4557-2598-4.00006-X
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Performs from cryogenic up to 260  C

Excellent electrical properties.
The monomers used to make PAI resin are usually
a diisocyanate and an acid anhydride such as those
shown in Fig. 6.2.
When these two types of monomers are reacted,
carbon dioxide is generated along with a PAI poly-
mer. The closer the monomer ratio is to 1:1, the
higher the molecular weight of the polymer shown in
Fig. 6.3).
Manufacturers and trade names: Solvay
Advanced Polymers TorlonÒ .
Sterile applications and uses: Surgical instru-
ments and instrument components and parts that
require tight tolerances and dimensional stability,
micro-molded parts for cardiovascular repair proce-
dures, and high-speed rotary microcomponents for
pumps.
trimellitic anhydride (TMA)
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