Preparation of Oxydiphthalic Anhydride Monomer for Synthesis of LaRC-IA and LaRC-IAX Polyimides

Imitec proposes to make polymer grade ODPA and electronic grade ODPA via several unique processes that do not use chlorinated solvents. Imitec also proposes to synthesize LaRC-IA and LaRC- IAX derived from In-House ODPA. Polyimides such as LaRC-IA and LaRC-IAX, invented at NASA Langley, prepared from oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) have shown excellent thermal and mechanical properties along with excellent melt-processability. These polymers are currently being tested in various aerospace and composites facilities (i.e. NASA, Northrop, Barcel Wire and Cable, Du Pont, Martin Marietta). In addition, LaRC-IA is a very light colored polyimide that can be easily pigmented and has radiation-resistance. Unfortunately, ODPA is no longer available commercially. Our market survey shows that there exists a high demand for ODPA based polyimides for many applications including NASA's composites program, the Super Collider project, fibers and some potential dental applications. Imitec expects to prepare high quality ODPA to keep current testing programs of ODPA based polymers active.