Closed cell polyimide foams and methods of making same

US4425441A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• John Gagliani · San Diego, US
• John V. Long · El Cajon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 10, 1983
• Grant date: Jan 10, 1984
• Expiry date: Feb 10, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08J2379/08
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A high temperature and flame resistant closed cell polyimide foam material and methods of making the foam. An aromatic tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride is reacted with an oxomine to produce an N-substituted imide, which is then esterified with a suitable alcohol. The resulting liquid is dried and the dry residue is reduced to a uniform powder having particles with diameters generally in the 0.5 to 10 mm. range. The powder is preferably further dried, either before or after final size reduction, in a moderate vacuum at moderate temperature to remove any excess residual alcohol. The powder spontaneously expands to form a closed cell foam when heated to a temperature in the range of about 90.degree. to 150.degree. C. for a suitable period. When the powder is expanded in a closed mold, a well consolidated, uniform, closed cell foam product results. When expanded in an unrestricted manner, closed cell "macroballoons" having average diameters between about 0.4 to 15 mm. result. The closed cell foam produced has excellent flexibility and resistance to heat and flame, and does not shrink appreciably when exposed to flame.