Polyimide (PI): The Ultra-Resistant Polymer for Extreme Conditions

Polyimide (PI) has established itself as a breakthrough material for sectors where thermal, chemical and mechanical resistance are non-negotiable criteria. Synthesized from aromatic dianhydrides and diamines, this high-temperature thermoplastic polymer outperforms the majority of technical materials in the harshest industrial environments.

Its exceptional performance has made PI, notably under the Vespel® brand, a benchmark for the aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical sectors.
 

Extreme heat resistance

• Continuous operating temperature: up to 260°C, with decomposition >400°C
• Stable thermal behavior, even in the event of rapid change
• Low thermal expansion, ideal for precision parts

Superior mechanical stability

• Modulus of elasticity > 4 GPa
• Excellent tensile strength even at low temperatures
• Perfect for components exposed to thermomechanical impact

Chemical inertia

• Resistant to concentrated acids, strong bases and organic solvents
• Low moisture absorption (<3%) = guaranteed dimensional stability

Aerospace & aeronautics

• High-pressure hydraulic seals
• Engine components resistant to fuels and lubricants
• AMS-certified material used for critical parts

Automotive & electromobility

• Lubrication-free electric motor bearings
• HV connectors (>400V) and cooling components for batteries
• Longer life, less maintenance

Advanced electronics

• Substrates for high-density flexible circuits (FPC)
• Integration of high-power SiC/GaN components
• MEMS encapsulation and thermally stressed sensors

Biomedical applications

• Grade Vespel® SP-1 biocompatible and sterilizable
• Used in reusable surgical instruments, catheters, membrane filters
   

SCP-5000 : Performance standard

• Thermal/mechanical balance - covers 80% of industrial requirements
• Continuous temperature: 260°C

SCP-5009: Low friction / high speed

• Ideal for lubrication-free tribological applications
• Coefficient of friction < 0.15

SCP-50094 : Enhanced chemical inertia

• Use in aggressive environments
• Moisture absorption <1

SCP-5050: Extreme heat resistance

• Dimensional stability even after 1000 h at 250°C
• At the heart of aerospace applications

SP-1: Cost-effective solution

• Optimum machinability
• Perfect for high-volume standard parts
   

• Mastery of high-precision machining
• Personalized technical support for your choice of materials
• Quality certifications (ASTM, ISO, AMS) to ensure traceability and compliance
• Development of customized solutions to meet your business requirements
   

When you choose PI Vespel®, you're investing in a strategic, high-performance material. Its durability, resilience and ability to push back the limits of standard polymers make it a benchmark solution for engineers seeking long-term reliability.