Polyimide processing additives

US5272248A · kind A · utility

Assignee

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

Inventors

• 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: May 22, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 21, 1993
• Expiry date: May 22, 2012

Classification

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

Abstract

A process for preparing polyamides 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.