ABSTRACT
During the past three decades since the commercialization of Kapton polyimide, an impressive variety of polyimides has been synthesized because of both scientific and commercial interests [1–4]. Polyimides possess outstanding key properties such as thermoxidative stability, high mechanical strength, high modulus, excellent electrical properties, and superior chemical resistance. Because of these merits, general difficulty in processing polyimides and their high cost did not deter further exploration of new compositions and new processing methods aimed at value-added niche markets in high technology applications. An important consideration in the successful synthesis of polyimides is a design of proper composition and proper choice of synthesis method. The latter is ultimately determined by the physical and chemical properties of monomers and polymers as well as those of intermediates. In this chapter, the fundamental aspects and new developments in the chemistry of polyimide synthesis will be discussed, particular emphasis on reaction mechanisms.
