Innovative Fluorinated Polyimides with Superior Thermal, Mechanical, and Dielectric Properties for Advanced Soft Electronics

This study addresses the limitations of traditional polyimides (PIs) in high-frequency and high-temperature soft electronic applications, and then introducing trifluoromethylbenzene (TFMB) into the molecular structure and employing various diamines as connecting components to solve the bottleneck. The innovative molecular design enhances thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties, overcoming challenges in balancing these performances. The optimized fluorinated PI (TPPI50) exhibits exceptional properties, including a glass transition temperature of 402 degrees C, thermal decomposition temperature of 563 degrees C, tensile strength of 232.73 MPa, elongation at break of 26.26%, and dielectric constant of 2.312 at 1 MHz with a dielectric loss as low as 0.00676. These improvements are attributed to the unique synergy between TFMB's fluorinated groups, which reduce molecular polarization, and the biphenyl structure, which reinforces chain stability. Compared to conventional PIs, TPPI50 demonstrates superior comprehensive performance, making it highly suitable for soft circuits, high-frequency signal transmission, and advanced applications such as wearable devices and biosensors. This study provides a robust framework for industrial applications, offering a path to next-generation soft electronics with enhanced reliability and performance.