Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles

The fascinating properties of polyimide films, such as outstanding thermal stability, chemical/radiation resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and a low dielectric constant, can be further optimized by inorganic fillers, making them potential candidates for replacing metals/ceramics in modern t...

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Main Authors: Ahmad Raza Ashraf, Zareen Akhter, Muhammad Asim Farid, Leonardo C. Simon, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Faizan Nazar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Materials
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2025.1504965/full
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author Ahmad Raza Ashraf
Zareen Akhter
Muhammad Asim Farid
Leonardo C. Simon
Khalid Mahmood
Muhammad Faizan Nazar
author_facet Ahmad Raza Ashraf
Zareen Akhter
Muhammad Asim Farid
Leonardo C. Simon
Khalid Mahmood
Muhammad Faizan Nazar
author_sort Ahmad Raza Ashraf
collection DOAJ
description The fascinating properties of polyimide films, such as outstanding thermal stability, chemical/radiation resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and a low dielectric constant, can be further optimized by inorganic fillers, making them potential candidates for replacing metals/ceramics in modern technologies. In this study, the effect of Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on the thermal performance of polyimide was evaluated by varying nanoparticle loadings (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%). The incorporation of nanoparticles within the polyimide matrix was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) analysis. Their homogenous distribution throughout the matrix was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal decomposition of the polyimide matrix started at approximately 400°C, with relatively small weight loss up to 500°C, suggesting significantly high thermal stability. This stability was further improved by the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles, while ZnO nanoparticles lowered the temperature resistance. The isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (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 extended periods. The glass transition temperature of the polyimide matrix was enhanced by both types of nanoparticles in a concentration-dependent manner. The thermal performance of polyimide was significantly affected by nanoparticle concentration.
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spelling doaj-art-d7d503b43b9c45b6b7ed692cdadbe2f92025-08-20T02:41:20ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Materials2296-80162025-03-011210.3389/fmats.2025.15049651504965Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticlesAhmad Raza Ashraf0Zareen Akhter1Muhammad Asim Farid2Leonardo C. Simon3Khalid Mahmood4Muhammad Faizan Nazar5Department of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanDepartment of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, PakistanDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, CanadaDepartment of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanDepartment of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, PakistanThe fascinating properties of polyimide films, such as outstanding thermal stability, chemical/radiation resistance, excellent mechanical strength, and a low dielectric constant, can be further optimized by inorganic fillers, making them potential candidates for replacing metals/ceramics in modern technologies. In this study, the effect of Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on the thermal performance of polyimide was evaluated by varying nanoparticle loadings (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%). The incorporation of nanoparticles within the polyimide matrix was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) analysis. Their homogenous distribution throughout the matrix was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal decomposition of the polyimide matrix started at approximately 400°C, with relatively small weight loss up to 500°C, suggesting significantly high thermal stability. This stability was further improved by the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles, while ZnO nanoparticles lowered the temperature resistance. The isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (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 extended periods. The glass transition temperature of the polyimide matrix was enhanced by both types of nanoparticles in a concentration-dependent manner. The thermal performance of polyimide was significantly affected by nanoparticle concentration.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2025.1504965/fullnanocomposite engineeringmetal oxide nanoparticlesthermal stabilitythermal enduranceglass transition temperature
spellingShingle Ahmad Raza Ashraf
Zareen Akhter
Muhammad Asim Farid
Leonardo C. Simon
Khalid Mahmood
Muhammad Faizan Nazar
Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
Frontiers in Materials
nanocomposite engineering
metal oxide nanoparticles
thermal stability
thermal endurance
glass transition temperature
title Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
title_full Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
title_fullStr Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
title_full_unstemmed Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
title_short Thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles
title_sort thermal performance customization of polyimide films by nanocomposite engineering with al2o3 and zno nanoparticles
topic nanocomposite engineering
metal oxide nanoparticles
thermal stability
thermal endurance
glass transition temperature
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmats.2025.1504965/full
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