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

Light-colored polyimide hybrids with a quaternary alkylammonium modified montmorillonite, Cloisite ® 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 ® 20A loading content. A critical Cloisite ® 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 °C, high glass transition and relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, and an improved solvent resistance capacity.