Thermal Imidization Method Research Articles

P‐6.7: End‐Capped Transparent Polyimide Films with Improved Thermal Durability for Optoelectronic Application

To meet the application demands as flexible substrate materials in optoelectronic display fields, the thermal durability at high temperature of transparent polyimide (PI) films faces a great challenge. Eight types of end‐capped transparent PI films were prepared using four end‐capping reagents through thermal and chemical imidization methods, respectively. The effects of end‐capping reagents with different chemical structures and imidization methods on optical properties of end‐capped films were investigated systematically. Their thermal durability in transparency was evaluated by changes of light transmittance and yellow parameter (ΔT and Δb) between the original and reheated end‐cappedfilms at 300 °C in the air. The results proved that end‐capping reagents and imidization methods have an important effect on optical properties of end‐capped PI films. It is also demonstrated that optimal end‐capping reagent combined with appropriate imidization method can enhance the thermal durability of transparent PI films. It provides an effective method to solve the discoloration problem of transparent PI films caused by high temperature during device manufacturing.

Preparation and Characterization of Polyimide/TiO2 Nano-composites for Non-lethal Weapon

A series of Polyimide/TiO2 (PI/TiO2) nano-composites were successfully prepared by incorporating different nano-sized TiO2 contents into PI which derived from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and a flexible diamine 4,4-bis(3-aminophenoxy)biphenyl (4,3-BAPOBP) via in-situ polymerization and a thermal imidization method. The micromorphology, chemical structure of samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The SEM results show that when the content of nano-TiO2 is lower, the nano-TiO2 can be distributed uniformly in the matrix by the method of this experiment scheme, and signs of agglomeration have begun to appear when the TiO2 content is 12 wt.%. XRD patterns reveal the crystal structure of TiO2 remains unchanged and stable after being doped into PI matrix, and the TiO2 nano-particles have good compatibility with PI matrix

Polyimides with noncoplanar Carbazole-TPA units: synthesis and characterization

ABSTRACT A series of redox-active, fluorescent neat polyimides and copolyimides bearing unsymmetrical and noncoplanar carbazole-TPA units have been synthesized via thermal imidization methods. The copolyimides were prepared by using methylene dianiline (MDA) and carbazole-TPA-based diamine in equimolar ratios and reacted with different dianhydrides. The structures of the prepared monomer and polyimides were thoroughly characterized and their thermal, optical, fluorescence and electrochemical properties were measured using DSC, TGA, UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, which revealed the presence of high lying HOMO levels, blue light emission, and stable electrochemical properties.

Enhanced energy storage properties of thermostable sandwich-structured BaTiO3/polyimide nanocomposites with better controlled interfaces

The energy density of polymers for high temperature applications is still relatively low. Among them, polyimide (PI) is one of the most attractive matrixes because of its high thermal stability. Instead of the mono thermal imidization method to fabricate multilayer PI nanocomposites in the literature, a novel method was proposed herein to better control the multilayer morphology, which could help to further enhance the energy storage properties. The method's effect on the morphology especially on the interfaces between adjacent layers was studied, and then the mechanism of breakdown strength change was discussed by a proposed model based on bipolar charge transport. The sandwich-structured PI nanocomposites, composed of the middle polarization layer with high BaTiO3 (BT) content and the two outer insulation layers with low BT content, were fabricated. Enhanced breakdown field and discharged energy density of 550 kV/mm and 5.1 J/cm3 with the efficiency of about 70% were achieved, while keeping a high thermal stability (500 kV/mm and 3.9 J/cm3 at 100 °C). This work presents a promising polymer nanocomposite for energy storage capacitors especially in extreme temperature environments, and a new concept to fabricate multilayer dielectric composites.

The Impacts of Chemical Modification on the Initial Surface Creepage Discharge Behaviors of Polyimide Insulating Film in Power Electronics

In this study, a series of polyimide (PI) films containing both phenyl sulfide and phenyl ether functional groups in different ratios were prepared via a two-step thermal imidization method. The cr...

Fluorinated Linear Copolyimide Physically Crosslinked with Novel Fluorinated Hyperbranched Polyimide Containing Large Space Volumes for Enhanced Mechanical Properties and UV-Shielding Application.

Fluorinated hyperbranched polyimide (FHBPI), a spherical polymer with large space volumes, was developed to enhance fluorinated linear copolyimide (FPI) in terms of mechanical, UV-shielding, and hydrophobic properties via simple blend and thermal imidization methods. FPI possessed superior compatibility with FHBPI, and no obvious phase separation was found. The incorporation of FHBPI led to the formation of physical crosslinked network between FPI and FHBPI, which markedly improved the mechanical properties of the FPI, resulting in maximum enhancement of 83% in tensile strength from 71.7 Mpa of the pure FPI to 131.4 Mpa of the FPI/FHBPI composite film containing 15 wt % of FHBPI. The introduction of FHBPI also changed the surface properties of composites from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, which endowed them with outstanding dielectric stability. Meanwhile, the thin FPI/FHBPI composites kept the high transparency in the visible spectrum, simultaneously showing enhanced UV-shielding properties and lifetimes under intense UV ray. This was attributed to the newly formed charge transfer complex (CTC) between FHBPI and FPI. Moreover, the FPI/FHBPI composites possessed preeminent thermal properties. The properties, mentioned above, gave the composites enormous potential for use as UV-shielding coatings in an environment filled with high temperatures and strong ultraviolet rays.

Enhancement of corrosion protection of low nickel austenitic stainless steel by electroactive polyimide-CuO composites coating in chloride environment

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve the anticorrosion performance of low nickel stainless steel (AISI 201) in 3.5% NaCl by electroactive polyimide/copper oxide (EPI/CuO) composites coating. Design/methodology/approach Electroactive polyimide/copper oxide (EPI/CuO) composites were prepared by oxidative coupling polymerization followed by thermal imidization method. Findings The functional and structural properties of composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infra-red and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy and the surface topography was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope analysis and anticorrosion performance in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl was evaluated by electrochemical techniques. The obtained results of electrochemical techniques measurement indicated that the composites coated samples give better corrosion protection against attacking electrolyte. Originality/value The ever-increasing price of nickel (Ni) is driving the industries to use low-Ni austenitic stainless steels (ASSs). However, it exhibits relatively poor corrosion resistance as compared with conventional Cr-Ni ASSs. Nonetheless, its corrosion resistance can be enhanced by polymeric (electroactive polyimide [EPI]) coating. CuO particles exhibit the hydrophobic properties and can be used as inorganic filler to incorporate in EPI to further enhance the corrosion protection. The present research paper is beneficial for industries to use low-cost AISI 201, enhance its corrosion resistance and replace the use of costly conventional Cr-Ni ASSs.

Preparation of triaminotriazine-based polyimide-modified electrodes and their use for selective detection of catechin in green tea samples

An effective electrochemical sensor was developed from triaminotriazine-based polyimide (PI) films as selective membrane for the detection of catechin (CT). Firstly, triaminotriazine-based PI films were synthesized from 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine (TAT) and pyromellitic dianhydride by thermal imidization method with different monomer ratios. Structural and morphological of synthesized PI films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Prepared polyimide films were used as membrane for the preparation of the modified electrodes. Catechin (CT) selectivity behavior of polyimide-modified Pt electrodes was investigated by means of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). DPV voltammograms showed that peak currents of the modified electrode increased proportionally with increase in CT concentration. TAT-PI-1/1 sensor showed high selectivity, a high regression coefficient (R value = 0.9982 ), good repeatability (RSD of 2.15%), and limit of detection 0.0152 mM for catechin determination in the presence of multiple interferent species (1 mM coumaric acid, ascorbic acid, gallic acid, lactose, sucrose, fructose, maltose and glucose). Moreover, the TAT-PI-1/1 sensor was employed to determine CT in real sample.

Organosoluble, low dielectric constant and highly transparent fluorinated pyridine-containing poly(ether imide)s derived from new diamine: 4-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl-2,6-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]pyridine

A new aromatic diamine, 4-(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl-2,6-bis[4-(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenyl]pyridine, was synthesized by a modified Chichibabin reaction of 4-(4-nitro-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)acetophenone with 4-triflouromethylbenzaldehyde, followed by catalytic reduction. A series of fluorinated pyridine-containing aromatic poly(ether imide)s (PEIs) were prepared from the diamine monomer with various aromatic dianhydrides via conventional two-step thermal imidization method. The resulting PEIs had inherent viscosities values of 0.68–0.90 dL/g, and could be cast and thermally converted into transparent, flexible, and tough polymer films. These PEIs were predominantly amorphous, had good solubility in common solvents such as NMP, DMAc and m-cresol at room temperature, and displayed excellent thermal stability with the glass transition temperatures of 258–315 °C, the temperatures at 5% weight loss of 550–585 °C, and the residue of higher than 55% at 750 °C in nitrogen. Moreover, the PEIs films showed outstanding mechanical properties with tensile strengths of 74.8–103.5 MPa, tensile moduli of 1.08–1.45 GPa, and elongations at break of 10.6–24.4%. These PEIs also exhibited low dielectric constants of 2.81–2.98 (1 MHz) and water uptake 0.39–0.68%, as well as high optical transparency with the UV cutoff wavelength in the 350–378 nm range and the wavelength of 80% transparency in the range of 412–510 nm.

Preparation of polyimide films via microwave-assisted thermal imidization.

A series of polyimide (PI) films based on aromatic heterocyclic monomers of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), p-phenylenediamine (p-PDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were prepared via a microwave-assisted thermal imidization and conventional thermal imidization method at different temperatures. The effects of microwave irradiation on the imidization degree, microstructures, mechanical and thermal properties of PI films were investigated. The imidization degree of the PI films treated with microwave-assisted heating reached a relatively high value at 250 °C, which was twice as much as those treated with traditional thermal imidization. The tensile strength and modulus of PI films treated with microwave-assisted imidization at 300 °C were 187.61 MPa and 2.71 GPa respectively, which were 30% higher than those of PI films treated with thermal imidization. Moreover, the order degree of polymer chains was improved by the microwave-assisted imidization method. The PI films prepared by the microwave-assisted imidization method showed excellent thermal stability with a 5% weight loss temperature of 573 °C under N2. The microwave-assisted thermal imidization proved to be a rapid and efficient way to prepare high-performance polyimide materials.

Impact of the phenyl thioether contents on the high frequency dielectric loss characteristics of the modified polyimide films

With the combination of the phenyl thioether group into the molecular chain of polyimide, the high frequency dielectric loss of the modified polyimide film can be effectively reduced, which will avail this insulating material of application in high frequency electrical equipment. In the proposed study, polyimide films containing different proportions of phenyl thioether were prepared via alternating thermal imidization method and the impact of phenyl thioether contents on the high frequency dielectric loss characteristics investigated. Frequency-domain dielectric spectrum analysis indicated that the dielectric loss of the modified films decreased in the first instance and then roared again with increased phenyl thioether content, among which cases the lowest dielectric loss factor (tanδ = 0.000929 at 1 kHz) occurred in the film with phenyl thioether content of 40%. Both X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) measurements, with reactive force field-based molecular dynamics simulation, were utilized to further elucidate the influencing mechanism of phenyl thioether content on dielectric loss characteristics. When the content of phenyl thioether was <40%, the charge transfer effect decreased with the increased phenyl thioether content, gradually reducing the degree of micro-crystallinity in the modified polyimide, and thereby increasing the dispersion of dipole moment that directly led to the reduced dielectric loss. When the phenyl thioether content is higher than 40%, the charge transfer effect reversed, which results in the PI film with increased crystalline region caused by the tighten molecular stacking and has the increased dielectric loss. Synthesis of the low-dielectric-loss polyimide films can be then optimized for high frequency applications.

Fabrication of Solvent‐Resistant Copolyimide Membranes for Pervaporation Recovery of Amide Solvents

AbstractDimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide are important industrial chemicals, which are used, e.g., as solvents in the manufacturing of polyurethane products. They are conventionally recovered by distillation associated with high energy consumption and operating costs. In contrast, pervaporation is an energy‐efficient membrane separation method. Ceramic‐supported copolyimide membranes were synthesized via the two‐step thermal imidization method and applied to pervaporation recovery of dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide. The prepared membrane demonstrated high resistance to the two amides in a wide concentration range. Effects of operating parameters such as feed temperature and feed concentration on pervaporation performances were investigated. The results showed that the copolyimide membrane is a promising candidate for the recovery of high concentrations of amide solvents.

Thermomechanical Behavior of Polymer Composites Based on Edge-Selectively Functionalized Graphene Nanosheets.

In this study, we demonstrate an effective approach based on a simple processing method to improve the thermomechanical properties of graphene polymer composites (GPCs). Edge-selectively functionalized graphene (EFG) was successfully obtained through simple ball milling of natural graphite in the presence of dry ice, which acted as the source of carboxyl functional groups that were attached to the peripheral basal plane of graphene. The resultant EFG is highly dispersible in various organic solvents and contributes to improving their physical properties because of its unique characteristics. Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) were used as monomers for constructing the polyimide (PI) backbone, after which PI/EFG composites were prepared by in situ polymerization. A stepwise thermal imidization method was used to prepare the PI films for comparison purposes. The PI/EFG composite films were found to exhibit reinforced thermal and thermo-mechanical properties compared to neat PI owing to the interaction between the EFG and PI matrix.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Heat Resistant, Superparamagnetic Poly(ether-imide) Nanocomposites Containing Xanthene: Representing a Strategy for Improving Thermal Stability of Magnetic Polymer-Based Nanocomposites

Two superparamagnetic and heat resistant xanthene based poly(ether-imide) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used for studying the morphology, crystalline phase, thermal stability and magnetization properties of the nanocomposites. The neat form of the corresponding poly(ether-imide) was also prepared by thermal imidization method and its structure was confirmed by FTIR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), UV–Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. In order to investigate the effects of modifying the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on thermal properties of the nanocomposites, the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was coated with SiO2 and polysuccinimide (PSI), sequentially. Then, both the unmodified Fe3O4 and surface-modified Fe3O4 (Fe3O4@SiO2–PSI) nanoparticles were used as fillers for the polymer matrix. According to the results, the prepared nanocomposites were superparamagnetic and showed higher thermal stability in comparison to the neat poly(ether-imide). Furthermore, poly(ether-imide)/Fe3O4@SiO2–PSI (PIEN 10b) nanocomposite showed higher thermal stability and dispersed better in the polymer matrix [in comparison to poly(ether-imide)/Fe3O4 (PIEN 10 a)] due to the presence of imide groups and high hydroxyl content of the functional Fe3O4 nanoparticles which caused high interactions between poly(ether-imide) and functional Fe3O4. Furthermore, the presence of methyl, ether and bulky xanthene groups in the poly(ether-imide(backbone improved the solubility of the neat polymer in organic solvents. These properties can be very helpful for extending new applications of poly(ether-imide)s.

Synthesis and characterization of alkyl chain containing polytriazoleimide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites

Polytriazoleimide/reduced graphene oxide (PTAI/RGO) nanocomposites were prepared by typical solution casting and thermal imidization method. Initially, the GO was synthesized by Hummers method, then reduced with hydrazine hydrate to obtain RGO and the diamine containing 1,2,3‐triazole ring and alkyl chain were synthesized by the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst by click reaction. The monomers and polymers were characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PTAI/RGO (0, 1, 2 and 3 wt%) are reported. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites is in the range of 164–182°C. The tensile strength of the PTAI/RGO nanocomposites film was dramatically increased from 72 to 114 MPa from 0 to 3 wt% of RGO, which is ∼53% of improvement compared to that of pure PTAI films and the corresponding tensile modulus increased from 1.4 to 2.65 GPa. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the nanocomposites improved the thermal stability by the addition of RGO. The temperature corresponding 5% (T5%) weight loss are in the range of 280–331°C. The dispersion of RGO in the surface of the nanocomposites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This effective approach shows a potential application in polyimides‐based nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4425–4433, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Facile fabrication and characterization of polyimide nanofiber reinforced photocured hybrid electrolyte for Li‐ion batteries

In this study, a novel ion conductive polyimide (PI) nanofiber reinforced photocured hybrid electrolyte has been fabricated. Polyimide fibers were fabricated with the reaction between 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) followed by electrospinning and thermal imidization methods. Then, PI electrospun fibers were dipped into hybrid resin formulation containing bisphenol A ethoxylate dimethacrylate (BEMA), poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and 3‐(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (MEMO) and then photocured to prepare PI nanofiber reinforced electrolyte membrane. Photocured membranes were soaked into lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) before measuring electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity of hybrid polyelectrolyte. The chemical structure and electrochemical performance of the electrolytes were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The incorporation of MEMO into organic matrix effectively increased the modulus from 2.83 to 5.91 MPa. The obtained results showed that a suitable electrolyte for Li‐ion batteries with high lithium uptake ratio, high conductivity (7.2 × 10−3 S cm−1) at ambient temperature and wide stability window above 5.5 V had been prepared. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Chiral polyimide and its nanocomposites with graphene oxide using l-phenylalanine-based diamine

A new chiral diamine l-methyl 2-(3,5-diaminobenzamido)-3-phenylpropanoate (MABPP) was synthesized using l-phenylalanine (essential amino acid) as the starting material. The structure of the synthesized diamine was supported by FT-IR, 1H, and 13C-NMR and mass spectral techniques. The diamine was polymerized with 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) by thermal imidization method to produce a chiral polyimide (PI). Additionally, polyimide nanocomposites were also prepared by incorporating different ratios of graphene oxide (GO) in the PI matrix. The synthesized polyimide and PI/GO nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR and Raman and NMR spectroscopy. The PI was found to have SOR of −71.4°. The inherent viscosity was found to be 0.87 dL g−1 indicating that high molecular weight PI was formed. The surface morphology of the neat PI and PI/GO nanocomposites was studied by TEM and AFM, revealing uniform distribution of the nanoparticles in the PI matrix. The thermal properties were studied by DSC and TGA analysis. The dielectric constant was in the range of 2.8–5.0. Biological studies of both polyimide and PI/GO nancomposites elicit promising antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Synthesis, solubility and thermal behavior of novel Diamino-diphenyl methane and caprolactam based different polyimide matrix for antibacterial applications

Novel polyimides (PIs) are synthesized by N, N ‘-(4, 4′-methylene bis (4, 1-phenylene)) bis (6-aminohexanamide) (CPA), pyromellitic dianhydride (PI-1), benzophenone dianhydride (PI-2), naphthalene dianhydride (PI-3), and perylene dianhydride (PI-4) in presence of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) medium using thermal imidization method. As-synthesized polyimides were physicochemical characterization done by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC and the surface morphology and particle in size of polyimides by SEM analysis. The PIs synthesized in the present work exhibit good solubility in organic solvents such as NMP, dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The PI-4 based imide possesses better solubility with the highest glass transition temperature value of 206° C, highest char yield of 31.5%, and improved antibacterial activity than those of other PIs. Furthermore, the good solubility and thermal stability make them also useful for aerospace and industrial applications.

Syntheses and Characterizations of Colorless and Transparent Poly(amide imide) Copolymer

4-nitrobenzoyl chloride와 2,2"-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine(TFB)를 이용하여 N,N"-[2,2"-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4"-biphenylene]bis(4-aminobenzamide)(TFAB)의 아민 단량체를 합성하였다. 합성된 TFAB와 무수물 단량체인 4,4"-(hexafluoro-isopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride(6FDA) 및 4,4"-biphthalic anhydride(BPA)를 다양한 몰 비로 반응하여 폴리아믹산(polyamic acid, PAA)을 합성한 후 화학적-열적 이미드화 반응을 거쳐 아미드 그룹을 가지는 폴리이미드 공중합체(Co-PI)를 합성하였다. 용액 캐스팅으로 합성된 Co-PI 필름은 유연하고 질긴 성질을 보였다. 합성된 Co-PI는 BPA의 함량 변화에 따라 열적-기계적 성질 및 광학 투명도 등을 조사하였다. Co-PI 필름의 열 팽창 계수(coefficient of thermal expansion, CTE) 값은 BPA의 몰 비가 증가할수록 감소하였지만, 광학 투명성에서는 반대의 결과를 보여주었다. N,N"-[2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4′-biphenylene]bis(4-aminobenzamide) (TFAB) was synthesized from 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFB). The obtained TFAB, 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), and 4,4′-biphthalic anhydride (BPA) were used to synthesize polyimide copolymers(Co-PIs) containing amide groups. Flexible and tough Co-PI films were prepared from poly(amic acid) (PAA) through solution-casting using chemical and thermal imidization methods. The thermomechanical properties and optical transparency of the Co-PI films with various BPA monomer contents were investigated. The coefficients of thermal expansions (CTEs) of the Co-PI films were improved linearly with increasing BPA content. However, their optical transparency was found to worsen with increasing BPA content.

Thermal and dielectric properties of newly developed L-tryptophan-based optically active polyimide and its POSS nanocomposites

A new chiral diamine L-methyl-2-[(3,5-diaminobenzoyl)amino]-3-(1H-indol-3yl)propanoate was synthesized using L-tryptophan (essential amino acid) as starting material. The structure of the synthesized diamine was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C-NMR) and mass spectral techniques. The diamine was polymerized with 3,3’,4,4’-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride via thermal imidization method to produce thermally stable chiral polyimide (PI) with low dielectric constant. Additionally, polyimide nanocomposites were also prepared by incorporating amino functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) into the PI matrix. The polyimide and PI/POSS nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy. The PI was found to have specific optical rotation of –41.4°. The inherent viscosity was found to be 0.77 dLg−1 indicating that a high molecular weight PI was formed. Surface morphology of the neat PI and nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) that reveal uniform distribution of the nanoparticles in the PI matrix. DSC analysis indicates that the Tg of the PI and its nanocomposites are in the range of 222–250 °C. The T10% was found to be in the range of 402.4–470.5 °C for the PI and its nanocomposites. The dielectric constant values are in the range of 3.5–2.1.