Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Different Uses Of Polyimide Tape

By Cathy Mercer


Polyimide tape is a thin film used in most cases for covering purposes. It is popular for one property which is its capability to withstand extremely high temperatures. This property gives it the purpose of covering burning houses. It terms of weight, it is considerably light, a property that makes it fit in with aviation. It is only reasonable that the industry choose the lightest of materials for their safety, something which this tape also provides.

Their manufacture involves then usage of different molecules. Their synthesis of this polyimide tape is done using a very complex procedure by the name step polymerisation. The process named above also involves the use of a compound called Dianhydride so as to have a successful synthesis. Very high temperatures of up to 573K are involve in this whole procedure.

This adhesive comes with different uses in different fields. A field that is very familiar with these tapes is the aviation field. Aircrafts use it because it has very good insulation properties. The civil aircrafts as well as the military ones both depend on it for their wiring. The main reason given for this is its weight which is relatively lower than that of other insulators. It has high insulation power and is able to condone very high ranges of temperature.

Space crafts are the other instruments that really require them in their functioning. The garments of the astronauts themselves also have a layer of this vital adhesive. The space crafts require them mainly for thermal insulation. The famous Solar Sails can use them as plastic support insulators. The reason for this is that they help in the long term space environment.

They are also used in the medical field. The sources of x-rays need them to act as their covers. It also transmits these x-ray waves very fast. This is why they are usually used in this field. Their mechanical and thermal stability makes them fit for this field too.

Finally, they are used for 3D printing. This is because of its adherence to ABS plastic. Its main role is to cover the surfaces of the platform that is heated. The other role that it plays is that of a print bed material. This whole process is usually carried out in a RepRap 3D printer.

There are also some shortcomings that are linked with this adhesive. An example is about the short circuits that come about from their wiring. The field that is mainly affected by this is that of the aircrafts and then space crafts whose wiring is done using this polyimide. Sparks are also emitted due to this short circuits. When this occurs, there has to be a repair to be done. In some circumstances, it may even call for total replacement of the wiring.

There are only three types of polyimide tape considering their thickness. They can be found in 1,2 and 5 Mil dimensions only. It is upon the person that needs them to get one of the best size that will serve them to best ability that they expect them to. Their packaging is in the form of rolls mostly.




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