Polyimide fiber batts are used in the production of extreme-cold protective products.

Polyimide nonwoven batting (commonly referred to as polyimide fiber batting or PI cotton) is a high-performance, functional fluffy material engineered based on the conjugated imide-ring structure of polyimide (PI) polymer chains. This material is produced through precisely controlled polymerization reactions and spinning–forming processes. As an advanced replacement for conventional thermal insulation materials, it leverages core technological advantages—low thermal conductivity, high-temperature resistance, inherent flame retardancy, and lightweight construction—and has already achieved large-scale applications in demanding environments such as aerospace, new-energy transportation, and high-end protective gear.

Characteristics of polyimide nonwoven wadding:

1. Excellent thermal insulation and heat preservation performance

One of the most prominent characteristics of polyimide fiber felts is their exceptional thermal insulation performance. Their thermal conductivity can be as low as 0.03 W/(m·K), approaching the level of still air. This remarkable property stems from a dual mechanism: the inherently low thermal conductivity of the material itself, combined with a three-dimensional, fluffy fibrous network formed through a specialized spinning process that effectively traps still air, thereby blocking both heat conduction and convective heat transfer pathways.

2. Intrinsic Flame Retardancy and High-Temperature Stability

Polyimide felts exhibit intrinsic flame-retardant properties, owing to the high bond energy of the imide rings in their molecular chains. This structural feature ensures that the material does not melt, drip, or release toxic gases when exposed to fire, eliminating the need for any added flame retardants.

It can withstand continuous operation at temperatures up to 260°C and short-term peak temperatures of 400°C. Under high-temperature conditions, the material maintains long-term structural integrity and stable mechanical properties.

3. Mechanical Properties, Environmental Adaptability, and Machinability

Polyimide felts exhibit excellent comprehensive mechanical properties and environmental stability:

Mechanical strength and durability: Tensile strength is ≥150 MPa, approaching the strength of steel wire, with excellent abrasion resistance. Even after multiple standard wash cycles, the material retains more than 90% of its original performance, and its service life is 3 to 5 times that of conventional polyester wadding.

Environmental adaptability: In humid environments with relative humidity ranging from 0% to 100%, the thermal insulation performance degrades by no more than 3%, with no signs of mold growth or aging, and it exhibits excellent chemical corrosion resistance.

Processability: Exhibits excellent flexibility and moldability, allowing it to be processed into products of varying specifications with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 25 mm and basis weights from 40 to 1,000 g/m². The maximum web width can reach 150 cm, making it well suited to meet the demands of complex-shaped composite molding applications.

Applications of polyimide nonwoven wadding:

1. Aerospace and Defense Technology

Aviation applications: As an insulating layer for aircraft wiring harnesses and interior trim components, its lightweight nature enables substantial weight reduction. For example, when used as insulation for wide-body airliner wiring harnesses, it can reduce weight by approximately 40%, resulting in significant annual fuel savings per aircraft. In addition, it is employed for thermal protection of critical components such as engine sensors, with the ability to withstand short-term exposure to high-temperature airflow up to 400°C.

Military protection: Used to manufacture protective clothing for armored units, flame-resistant racing suits, flight suits, and more, making it an ideal fire-retardant material.

2. New Energy Transportation and High-End Manufacturing

New energy vehicles: Primarily used as thermal insulation and fire barriers for 800V high-voltage battery packs, their intrinsic flame-retardant properties effectively inhibit the propagation of thermal runaway. Meanwhile, their high dielectric strength (breakdown voltage ≥ 200 kV/mm) provides reliable insulation protection for high-voltage systems.

Rail transit: Thermal insulation layers used in train carriages can effectively reduce air-conditioning energy consumption by 15–20%, and their oil resistance and aging resistance meet the stringent requirements of long service life and high reliability for rail transit equipment.

Industrial high-temperature protection: Serving as an insulating barrier for industrial ovens, welding equipment, and high-temperature pipelines, it can operate reliably over the long term in environments up to 260°C, reducing equipment maintenance frequency and enhancing operational safety.

3. Personal Protective Equipment and Specialized Gear

Polyimide fiber felts in the protective gear sector meet the dual requirements of safety and comfort.

High-temperature protective clothing: Used as the inner liner in firefighting suits and arc-flash protective garments, providing continuous high-temperature protection and arc-flash dielectric protection. Compared with traditional materials, it can reduce weight by approximately 30% at the same level of protection, enhancing the wearer’s mobility and comfort.

Extreme Cold Protection Gear: Our extreme cold–protective products are used in polar research suits, high-altitude mountaineering gear, and similar applications. In extremely low-temperature environments, they effectively maintain a comfortable microclimate for the wearer, while their excellent breathability prevents sweat buildup and reduces the risk of frostbite.

Other specialized applications: It can also be used to manufacture medical protective suits, special biochemical-resistant garments, and high-efficiency smoke-protection masks, among others.

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