Polyimide | Polyimide: a top-tier “superplastic” known for its extreme heat resistance, excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability, it is commonly used in aerospace, microelectronics and other fields. |
Polyimide fiber | Polyimide fiber: This “super plastic” is drawn into extremely fine fibers, retaining the material’s excellent properties while possessing the flexibility and weavability of textile fibers. It is a high-performance “black technology” material that combines flame retardancy, warmth retention, health benefits, and antibacterial properties, and is hailed as the “pearl at the top of the pyramid of polymer materials.” |
1、Why is it so excellent?
Feature Category | Specific manifestations | Application value |
Extreme temperature resistance | Long-term operating temperature: -269°C to +260°C (some products can reach 350°C); extreme high temperature resistance, does not melt. | Suitable for extreme environments, such as fire suits, spacesuits, and high-temperature filtration. |
Excellent flame retardancy | With a limiting oxygen index (LOI) > 38%, it does not burn when exposed to fire, only carbonizes, and self-extinguishes when the flame is removed. It is inherently flame-retardant and requires no added chemical flame retardants. | It offers high safety and is used in protective clothing, aircraft interiors, and other applications. |
Excellent mechanical properties | High strength, high modulus, and good wear resistance. | The product is durable and has a long lifespan. |
Excellent chemical stability | It is resistant to solvents, hydrolysis, and radiation. | Suitable for harsh industrial environments and medical disinfection. |
Excellent biocompatibility | It is non-toxic, non-irritating, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. | Suitable for manufacturing high-end medical textiles and protective clothing |
Inherent antibacterial and antifungal properties | Its molecular structure itself is not conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold. | Maintain hygiene, reduce odor, suitable for underwear and socks. |
The magical touch of “soft gold” | It has a soft and smooth feel, good drape, and is extremely comfortable to wear. | It breaks the stereotype that high-performance fibers are “stiff and itchy”. |
2、Four revolutionary advantages of polyimide in the textile industry
Advantage 1:
Extremely safe active flame retardant
Traditional flame-retardant fibers (such as aramid) | Prolonged burning may produce high-temperature molten droplets, causing secondary damage. |
Polyimide fiber | It does not melt or drip when exposed to fire, and it self-extinguishes upon removal from the flame, forming a carbonized layer that isolates oxygen and heat, providing more comprehensive protection. |
Application areas：
Special protective equipment such as firefighting suits, petrochemical industrial suits, racing suits, and armored vehicle protective suits. Flame-retardant textiles for high-standard public places such as hotels and hospitals.
Advantage 2:
Revolutionary “lightweight and warm” insulation effect, replacing down and cashmere, used in high-end cold-weather clothing, thermal underwear, and lightweight thermal wadding.
Polyimide wadding vs traditional materials:
Despite its lighter weight, polyimide offers superior warmth compared to cashmere and far surpasses ordinary polyester.
Fiber properties | Unit | Polyimide | Cashmere | Polyester | |||
Fineness | dtex | 2.2/1.67/0.89 | —- | 2.2 | |||
length | mm | 38/51 | 38 | 51 | |||
Cro value | 123g/㎡ | 1.41 | 1.39 | 1.07 | |||
thermal resistance | ㎡·K/W | 0.219 | 0.216 | 0.166 | |||
heat transfer coefficient | W/㎡·K | 4.58 | 4.66 | 6.03 | |||
Equivalent insulation rate | % | 76.5 (119g/㎡) | 70.1（123g/㎡） | 64.9（123g/㎡） | |||
High-end protection field Firefighting suits Spacesuits & Industrial Protective Clothing Cut-resistant gloves
| everyday clothes Antibacterial and odor-resistant socks Insoles Underwear
| medical field Medical staff uniforms Hospital bed sheets and blankets Reduce the risk of cross-infection
| Military field Meeting soldiers’ multiple needs for warmth, flame retardancy, and antibacterial properties
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