Thermal Performance Customization of Polyimide Films by Nanocomposite Engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO Nanoparticles

Ahmad Raza Ashraf ¹ Zareen Akhter ^2* Muhammad Asim Farid ¹ Leonardo C. Simon ³ Khalid Mahmood ² Muhammad Faizan Nazar ^1*

• ¹ Department of Chemistry, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• ² Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
• ³ Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada, Waterloo, Canada

The fascinating properties of polyimide films such as outstanding thermal stability, chemical/radiation resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and low dielectric constant can be further optimized by inorganic fillers, making them potential candidates for replacing metals/ceramics in modern technologies. Herein, the effect of Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles on the thermal performance of polyimide was evaluated by different loadings (3%, 5%, 7%, 9%) of nanoparticles. The incorporation of nanoparticles within the polyimide matrix was confirmed by WAXRD analysis. Their homogenous distribution throughout the matrix was verified by SEM and TEM. Thermal decomposition of the polyimide matrix started at around 400 °C with relatively small weight loss up to 500 °C, suggesting significantly high thermal stability, which was further improved by the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles while ZnO nanoparticles lowered the temperature resistance. The isothermal TGA further complemented the results of dynamic TGA as substantially high thermal endurance at 400 °C was observed for polyimide nanocomposites, suggesting their capability to withstand elevated temperatures for a long time. The glass transition temperature of the polyimide matrix was enhanced by both types of nanoparticles in concentration concentration-dependent manner. The thermal performance of polyimide was significantly affected as a function of nanoparticle concentration.