Dimensionally stable and light-colored polyimide hybrid reinforced with layered silicate

Abstract

Light-colored polyimide hybrids with a quaternary alkylammonium modified montmorillonite, Cloisite(A (R)) 20A (C20A) were successfully synthesized via a solution intercalation method. The structural and morphological features of the PI/C20A hybrids were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and spherical aberration correction scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The dimensional stabilities were strongly dependent upon the chemical and morphological structures which were influenced by the Cloisite(A (R)) 20A loading content. A critical Cloisite(A (R)) 20A concentration was obtained for the evolution of both the structural and physical properties of the PI/C20A hybrids. The dynamic stress behaviors were investigated in situ by using the wafer bending method during thermal imidization of the softbaked PI/C20A hybrid precursor and thermally cured hybrid films using a thin film stress analyzer. The PI/C20A hybrid films exhibited stability at 510 A degrees C, high glass transition and relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, and an improved solvent resistance capacity.