Non-flammable polyimide materials for aircraft and spacecraft applications

Recent developments in polyimide chemistry show promise for producing materials with very low flammability and a wide range of mechanical properties. Polyimide foams can be synthesized to provide fire safety without detectable formation of smoke or toxic byproducts below 204 C (400 F), thus avoiding an environment which is lethal to human habitation. This work has been and is currently being performed under development programs, the objective of which is to provide cost effective processes for producing thermally stable, polyimide flexible resilient foams, thermal-acoustical insulating materials, rigid low density foam panels, and high strength foam structures. The chemical and physical properties demonstrated by these materials represent a technological advancement in the art of thermally stable polyimide polymers which are expected to insure fire protection of structures and components used in air transportation and space exploration. Data compiled to date on thermal, physical and functional properties of these materials are presented.