Project Title:

Innovative Thermoplastic Polyimide Foam

  94-1	04.03	8072

  Innovative Thermoplastic Polyimide Foam

Abstract:

The advantages of products made from polyimide resins have been 
demonstrated in many applications. A new thermoplastic resin, 
invented by NASA scientists and known as LaRC-IA, has shown 
outstanding potential as an adhesive, molding resin and as a matrix 
resin for composites. Since HTS has significant background in the 
technology of polyimide foam, it is proposing to utilize LaRC-IA 
resin to develop and produce polyimide foam. This foam will possess 
thermal and lowsmoke properties characteristic of polyimides. 
Additionally, it will be thermoplastic and therefore, reformable. 
The innovative properties of LaRC-IA make it an ideal candidate for 
producing a commercializable thermoplastic polyimide foam. HTS 
currently produces lightweight polyimide foam and the same 
manufacturing systems would be used to produce LaRC-IA foam once it 
is developed. The firm's foam technology includes additives and a 
sophisticated programmable oven system to produce the required heat 
transfer for studying foaming parameters. As seen below, 
significant applications and commercial potential exist for LaRC-IA 
foam.

LaRC-IA thermoplastic foam is useful as cryogenic tank insulation, 
structural and core material replacements for honeycomb, balsa wood 
and other traditional materials in military and commercial 
aircraft, industrial machinery, automotive and broad transportation 
applications.

Key Words

High Technology Systems, Inc.
105 Jordan Road
Troy, New York 12180