In the plastics world, materials are categorized based on their capabilities ─ primarily their ability to withstand various temperatures. Plastics are also differentiated by their crystalline or amorphous nature, which affects their appearance and properties. In this Shooting Star, we are going to focus on the elite imides at the top of the material hierarchy: PBI, Polyimide, and Torlon®.
PBI (Polybenzimidazole)
PBI, also known as Celazole®, boasts the highest continuous operating temperature among polymers. Developed in the 1950s for military and space applications, PBI is now used in firefighting gear, fuel cells, and as an asbestos replacement. TriStar offers PBI under the Duratron® brand, which features:
- Outstanding thermal properties
- High wear resistance
- Low thermal expansion for better dimensional control
- Excellent load resistance
- Low outgassing in vacuum
- High PV for bearing service
- Self-lubricating properties
Duratron® is available in rod, sheet, and tube forms and is (with some training) machinable.
Polyimide
Polyimide, first developed by DuPont in the 1950s as Kapton® tape, is known for its thermal and dielectric properties. Used in aerospace, semiconductor, and industrial applications, TriStar offers Polyimide under the Meldin® brand. Key Meldin® features include:
- Thermal stability up to 600°F (short-term up to 900°F)
- Low friction (static and dynamic)
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Low outgassing in vacuum
- High physical strength at high temperatures
Meldin® is available in various forms, including compression molded, hot isostatic molded, and direct formed, with filler options to enhance performance.
Torlon® (Polyamide-Imide)
Torlon®, the final material at the top of the pyramid, excels in aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and high-temperature insulator applications. Known for its excellent dimensional stability up to 500°F and down to cryogenic temperatures, Torlon® can be injection molded for intricate parts. TriStar provides Torlon® in rod, tube, sheet, and custom components.
Interested in the Imides for Your Most Critical Applications? TriStar Can Help
Imides stand out for their high-temperature stability, durability, low friction, and wear resistance. Although they are more expensive due to the difficulty of producing them, their superior properties make them ideal (and cost-effective) for demanding applications. If your project requires extreme temperature tolerance, dimensional stability, and outstanding wear and friction performance, we encourage you to reach out.
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Celazole® is a registered trademark of PBI Performance Products, Inc.
Duratron® is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (MCAM).
Kapton® is a registered trademark of DuPont.
Torlon® is a registered trademark of Solvay.
The “New Meldin®” Opens Up New Possibilities For High-Temperature Polyimides
