A Comparative Investigation of Thermal and Tribological Properties of Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polyimides with Similar Structural Formulae

Polymerization of monomer reactants (PMR)-type polyimide was synthesized and the homogeneous matrix resin solution (30–40% solid) was used to prepare film blocks for tribological tests. Compared with a thermoplastic polyimide with similar molecular formula and similar behavior of weight loss under heating, the high glass transition (Tg) and char yield of the PMR polyimide can be attributed to the self-reaction of phenylethynyl groups to result in a cross-linked structure. Tribological studies on both PMR type thermosetting polyimide and thermoplastic one showed that the friction coefficient and wear rate of the former polyimide were lower than that of the latter one under both similar and even more critical conditions. Scanning electron microscope examinations of worn surfaces and wear debris show that the wear type of the thermoplastic polyimide was adhesive wear and that of the thermosetting one was fatigue wear. In terms of all good tribological properties, this PMR-type thermosetting polyimide, due to its high PV limit, could be a potential candidate for tribo-material in dry sliding against steel under high speed and large load.