Tuesday, 6 August 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.

There are several uses of this tape. One of the uses is in relation to aircrafts. Its insulated wiring is very common with aircrafts, both military and civil aircrafts. This is mainly because it is very light compared to all the other types of insulators. It is also very good at insulation. As it has been said also, it can withstand very high temperatures. These properties therefore make it suitable for these aircrafts as it is even safe for them.

It is also used in space crafts. Even the astronauts themselves put on garments that have been covered with it. They are mainly used in this field for thermal insulation. They can also act as plastic support for the famous solar sails. This is because they are considered long term source of help while in space.

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.

The final use is in the 3D printing industry. They have a high adherence property to the ABS plastic that is usually used in printing these pictures. The platform being heated needs it to cover it during the heating process. A RepRap 3D printer is the machine from which al these processes take place.

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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