New Types of Poly(amide-imide) and related nanocomposites

Polyimides (PIs) have been used as attractive matrix polymers for hybrid composites due to their good thermo-mechanical properties [1]. Properties of the polyimide based hybridnanocomposites can be obtained in a wide range by dispersing inorganic nanoparticles during thermal imidization. Thedispersion of inorganic nanoparticles into a polymer matrix has been proved to be effective in the improvement of the performances of the organic polymers by yielding so-calledorganic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites. Sepiolit as a special needle-like clay species has gained increasing attentionin recent years. It exhibits extraordinary performance on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, flame retardancy and barrier properties derived from its special structure [2,3].