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Polyimide and imide polymer resins are high-temperature-resistant polymers. This report covers imide polymers of commercial interest including condensation polyimide resins, addition polyimide resins (e.g., bismaleimides), polyamide-imides (PAI), polyether-imides (PEI), polyester-imides (PESI) and polymethacryl-imides (PMMI).
All of these polymers have excellent electrical and physical properties in addition to their high thermal and oxidative stability. Because of this combination of properties, these polyimides are used in aerospace, electronics and various other industrial applications.
The following pie chart shows consumption of polyimides and imide polymers in the United States, Western Europe and Japan:
During 2006–2011, the United States will continue to be the largest market for polyimide resins, with Ultem® (included in and comprising the majority of molding resins/parts) and magnet wire enamels continuing to be the largest applications. The fastest-growing U.S. markets will be in films, fibers and prepregs/composites, although the latter market has a relatively smaller base.
In Europe, thirteen firms currently produce polyimide and other imide polymer resins. On a volume base the European market is dominated largely by polyester-imides and polyamide-imides consumed in the form of wire enamels and secondary insulation varnishes.
Currently, fourteen companies produce polyimides in Japan. Japan imports polyimides from the United States and Europe, and exports polyimides mainly to the United States and Asian countries. Consumption of polyimides in industrial/mechanical applications as well as in electrical/electronic applications will grow during the next five years. Overall demand for polyimides in Japan will increase at a robust average annual rate during 2006–2011. |
