Effects of monomer structure and imidization degree on mechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior of thermoplastic polyimide films

Two thermoplastic polyimides based on a common diamine (3,4′-ODA) were synthesized using different dianhydrides, namely ODPA and BPDA by a two step method. Molecular weight was controlled by using PA as an end capping agent. Effects of imidization degree on the mechanical properties and viscoelastic behavior of thermoplastic polyimide films were investigated. Film samples with varying degrees of imidization were characterized using FTIR, DMTA and tensile properties testing. It was found that two polyimides have different rates of imidization because of difference in monomer reactivity and molecular structure. It was observed that with an increase in imidization degree there was a decrease in thermoplastic response and a change in viscoelastic behavior from liquid-like to solid-like. With increase in imidization degree the tensile modulus and tensile strength of the films were increased, whereas elongation at break and tensile breaking energy were found to decrease after a certain imidization temperature.