Abstract
Aromatic polyamides are high performance materials with superior thermal and mechanical properties which make them extremely useful for advanced technologies. These polymers can be transformed into high-tensile strength synthetic fibers and into flame and cut-resistant materials that have technological applications in the field of coatings and fillers in the aerospace and armaments industry, in asbestos substitutes, electrical insulation, bullet-proof body armor, industrial filters, and sports fabrics, among others. This article sets out to review the existing literature and recent patent claims that describe the design, the preparation and the applications of wholly aromatic polyamides, semiaromatic polyamides and poly(amide imide)s.
Keywords: Aramids, aromatic polyamides, phthalamides, semiaromatic polyamides, poly(amide imide)s, high performance polymers, applications