Polyimide-Based PolyHIPEs Prepared via Pickering High Internal Phase Emulsions

Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) oligoimide particles and PMDA-ODA poly(amic acid) salt (PAAS) were synthesized and used as stabilizers to prepare oil-in-water Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The stability of the Pickering HIPEs was investigated by dispersion stability analysis. Polyimide-based polyHIPEs could be prepared through freeze-drying and subsequent thermal imidization of the Pickering HIPEs. The characteristics of the polyHIPEs, including their morphology, porosity, thermal decomposition temperature, and compression modulus, were investigated. The thermal decomposition temperature (T(10)) of the polyHIPEs was very high (>530 °C), and their porosity was as high as 92%. The polyimide-based polyHIPEs have the potential to be used in high-temperature environments.