100 Nano-Stories: But What Exactly Is Polyimide?
Episode #22: The Science & Technical Terms Explained!
Preface →✨
Now that we know what the main chemicals & precursors are for creating polymer/polyimide aerogel, let’s dive deeper into what all the technical terms actually mean!
But wait, Carlos! What terms? Can you help me out?
Some of the terms that we will be covering are what exactly is polyimide, the chemicals 2,2ʹ-dimethylbenzidine (DMBZ) and p-phenylenediamine (PPDA), and the mW/mK! We will be seeing these terms a lot in the upcoming articles, so I want to help you know some of the major terms for the remainder of polymer/polyimide aerogels!
Enough talking! Let’s debunk some polyimide chemistry!
What Is Polyimide: Debunked! →😤
We have heard of a polymer before, but not a polyimide!
A polyimide in simple terms is a type of plastic with high-performing mechanical properties such as resistance to high temperature and corrosion (determination of a metal over a period of time).
But what about its chemistry, Carlos?
This is what a standard polyimide aerogel would look like, but let’s use this as our example. But let’s describe all the details of the chemical structure.
The double line connecting the O’s (Oxygen Atoms) are two bonds sharing their electron pairs. This means that four electrons are being shared between each double line for the atom to become stable.
If the atoms didn’t share their electrons, they would be unstable and possibly radioactively decay and fade away! No Bueno!
Next up, what are “R1” & “R2”?
The best way to describe an “R” group is any Carbon or Hydrogen Group, and the most common group is a CH3 molecule (1 carbon atom & 3 hydrogen atoms).
But remember, we are using “R1” & “R2”. “R1” is an Aldehyde group, and “R2” is an Ether Group!
An Aldehyde Group (R1) is a group of organic/chemical compounds where a double bond occurs between an oxygen atom, a single bond between a hydrogen atom, and a single bond with an “R” group.
An Ether Group (R2) is a group/class of organic/chemical compounds that make up an oxygen atom bonded by two alkyl groups.
An alkyl is CH3 (1 carbon atom, 3 hydrogen atoms.) In organic chemistry, you may hear the term “alkane”, which is an alkyl, but with one extra hydrogen atom.
That’s it! You now know a good understanding of the chemistry of a polyimide! Pat on the back, reader!
Closing Thoughts → 💭
Well, it looks like we didn’t get to cover the entire agenda, but I promise that I won’t talk more about the chemistry of a polyimide! You have already learned it by now!
But pay close attention, because we are almost there to talk about the new applications of polyimide aerogels!
Vocabulary → 📓
Organic Compounds → 1 or more carbon atoms are connected with other elements, mostly either hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.
Ether Group (R2) → A group/class of organic/chemical compounds that makes up an oxygen atom bonded by two alkyl groups.
Aldehyde Group (R1) → A group of organic/chemical compounds where a double bond occurs between an oxygen atom, a single bond between a hydrogen atom, and a single bond with an “R” group.
“R” Group → Any Carbon or Hydrogen Group chemically bonded between each other, and the most common group is a CH3 molecule.
CH3 → 1 carbon atom & 3 hydrogen atoms; “R” group.
Alkyl → CH3 (1 carbon atom, 3 hydrogen atoms.)
Bonus Content → 💻
Previous “100 Nano-Stories” → 🔖
© 2021 by Carlos Manuel Jarquin Sanchez. All Rights Reserved.
