The advantages of products made from polyimide resins have been demonstrated in many applications. A new thermoplastic resin, invented by NASA scientists and known as LaRC-IA, has shown outstanding potential as an adhesive, molding resin and as a matrix resin for composites. Since HTS has significant background in the technology of polyimide foam, it is proposing to utilize LaRC-IA resin to develop and produce polyimide foam. This foam will possess thermal and lowsmoke properties characteristic of polyimides. Additionally, it will be thermoplastic and therefore, reformable.The innovative properties of LaRC-IA make it an ideal candidate for producing a commercializable thermoplastic polyimide foam. HTS currently produces lightweight polyimide foam and the same manufacturing systems would be used to produce LaRC-IA foam once it is developed. The firm's foam technology includes additives and a sophisticated programmable oven system to produce the required heat transfer for studying foaming parameters. As seen below, significant applications and commercial potential exist for LaRC-IA foam.LaRC-IA thermoplastic foam is useful as cryogenic tank insulation, structural and core material replacements for honeycomb, balsa wood and other traditional materials in military and commercial aircraft, industrial machinery, automotive and broad transportation applications.
Keywords: Phase_I, NASA, Abstract, FY94
