Reinforcement of ultrahigh thermoresistant polybenzimidazole films by hard craters

Abstract

Porous structures were formed in polybenzimidazole derivative films by a silica template method, followed by HF etching. As expected, the resulting ultrahigh thermoresistant films showed better elongation properties than did the non-porous films, with renewed strength and hardness. Microscopic analyses revealed that the pores were clearly formed, and craters with swollen edges and hardened surfaces were also observed.