7. Applications

Taking all sectors together, PMR polyimides (molding powders, prepregs, adhesives and various other presentations) accounted for worldwide consumption of less than 1,000 t in 1997. Although PMR polyimides are not new materials (they were introduced in 1973), their industrial production is fairly recent. This is due to the fact that, until now, the equipment available did not meet the required conditions (e.g., high-temperature, high-pressure autoclave). Now that this major obstacle has been overcome, applications for PMR polyimides are underway, but are not yet booming.

Applications are mainly in structural composite components for the aeronautics industry, notably "warm" engine parts: internal engine cowling, air intake components (casing, blades, flaps). Some parts of the fuselage (DC9) and piping are made from PMR matrix composites. Space shuttles also feature...