Polyimide processing additives

US5116939A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Fletcher
• J. Richard Pratt · Poquoson, US
• Terry L. St. Clair · Poquoson, US
• Diane M. Stoakley · Yorktown, US
• Harold D. Burks · Newport News, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 11, 1987
• Grant date: May 26, 1992
• Expiry date: Aug 11, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08K5/3415
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for preparing polyimides having enhanced melt flow properties is described. The process consists of heating a mixture of a high molecular weight poly(amic acid) or polyimide with a low molecular weight amic acid or imide additive in the range of 0.05 to 15% by weight of additive. The polyimide powders so obtained show improved processability, as evidenced by lower melt viscosity by capillary rheometry. Likewise, films prepared from mixtures of polymers with additives show improved processability with earlier onset of stretching by TMA.