JLon Polyimide Foam | Lightweight, Low Smoke & Low Toxicity in Fire
Flexible & Rigid Grades for Marine, Aerospace, Rail, & Industrial Applications
Flexible foam for insulation and noise reduction
Rigid foam with high temperature resistance and load bearing capacity
Maximum foam size: 1250 x 2500 x 500mm
Why Choose JLon Polyimide Foam？
Backed by science
Proven large-scale production
Market leader in China
Trusted by leading shipyards, airlines, and industrial manufacturers
Superior surface finish
Smooth, uniform foam with no visible voids, pits, or surface defects.
Reliable performance, batch after batch
Tight process control ensures repeatability
What is Polyimide (PI) Foam?
Polyimide foam is a lightweight, cellular material derived from polyimide polymer — a class of high-performance plastics known for exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength. By introducing a controlled cellular (foam) structure during manufacturing, the material retains polyimide's inherent high-temperature resistance and fire-safe characteristics, while gaining additional benefits：ultra-low density, flexibility or rigidity, acoustic absorption, and ease of handling and installation.
Why Polyimide Foam?
| Feature | PI Foam | Rock Wool | PIR Foam | Melamine Foam |
| Weight | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Fire Safety | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Smoke Toxicity | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Cryogenic Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Acoustic Performance | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Moisture Resistance | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
JLon PI Foam Series
Technical Data Sheet of JLon PI Foam
| Test Item | General-purpose flexible polyimide foam | Space-grade flexible polyimide foam | Rigid Polyimide Foam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range of Bulk Density (kg/m³) | 5.5-120 | 5.5-120 | 70-200±10 | |||
| Typical Bulk Density(kg/m3) Density can be customized per customer’s requirements. The physical and chemical properties of key indicators vary slightly across different densities. We only perform measurements on a selected few density grades. | 10±2 | 10±2 | 70 | 120 | 150 | 200 |
| Color | Light yellow or gray (adjustable) | Dark yellow or golden yellow | ||||
| Sustainable maximum operating temperature | 300 ℃ | 450 ℃ | 450 ℃ | |||
| Maximum allowable temperature for short-term use | 350 ℃ | 541℃ | 500 ℃ | |||
| Heat resistance | -55℃, 12h, no cracking; 300℃, 12h, surface is not sticky | -55℃, 12h, no cracking; 300℃, 12h, surface is not sticky | -55℃, 12h, no cracking; 300℃, 12h, surface is not sticky | |||
| 5% thermal weight loss temperature | > 350 ℃ | > 541 ℃ | / | / | / | / |
| Heat distortion temperature | / | / | > 450℃ | |||
| Thermal conductivity | ≤0.04 (W/m·K, 23℃±2℃) | ≤0.046 (W/m·K, 23℃±2℃) | ≤0.04 (W/m·K, 23℃±2℃) | |||
| Tensile strength | ≥50 KPa | ≥200 KPa | ≥1.2 MPa | ≥1.8 MPa | ≥2.5 MPa | ≥5 MPa |
| Compression set | ≤25 % | ≤25 % | / | / | / | / |
| Compression strength | ≥0.3 MPa | ≥0.5 MPa | ≥1.2 MPa | ≥3 MPa | ||
| Impedance tube sound absorption | 2000-6300Hz > 60% (50mm thickness） | 2000-6300Hz > 60% (50mm thickness） | 2000-6300Hz > 60% (50mm thick) | |||
| Hygroscopicity | ≤5% (relative humidity 95%±3%, temperature 49℃±2℃, duration 96h) | ≤5% (relative humidity 95%±3%, temperature 49℃±2℃, duration 96h) | ≤5% (relative humidity 95%±3%, temperature 49℃±2℃, duration 96h) | |||
| Mold test | The mold resistance level is Grade 0 | The mold resistance level is Grade 0 | The mold resistance level is Grade 0 | |||
| Radiation-resistant | After receiving a cumulative radiation dose of 10,000 Gy, there are no noticeable changes in appearance, and the thermal conductivity meets the technical specifications | After receiving a cumulative radiation dose of 10,000 Gy, there are no noticeable changes in appearance, and the thermal conductivity meets the technical specifications | After receiving a cumulative radiation dose of 10,000 Gy, there are no noticeable changes in appearance, and the thermal conductivity meets the technical specifications | |||
| Acid resistance (Soak in 20% hydrochloric acid for one week) | No significant change | No significant change | No significant change | |||
| Oil resistance (Soaked in 93# gasoline for one week) | No significant change | No significant change | No significant change | |||
| Toxicity | Meet the requirements of GJB11.2 and GJB11.3 | Meet the requirements of GJB11.2 and GJB11.3 | Meet the requirements of GJB11.2 and GJB11.3 | |||
| Smoke Density (Dm), IMO FTP Code Part 2 | ≤100 | / | / | / | / | / |
| Smoke toxicity | Comply with the smoke and toxicity requirements for bulkhead, lining, or ceiling materials as specified in Part 2 of Annex 1 of the 2010 FTP Code. | Comply with the smoke and toxicity requirements for bulkhead, lining, or ceiling materials as specified in Part 2 of Annex 1 of the 2010 FTP Code. | Comply with the smoke and toxicity requirements for bulkhead, lining, or ceiling materials as specified in Part 2 of Annex 1 of the 2010 FTP Code. | |||
| Low flame spread (flammability) | Meet the requirements for the lining of bulkheads, walls, and ceilings as specified in Part 5 of Annex 1 of the FTP Code 2010 | Meet the requirements for the lining of bulkheads, walls, and ceilings as specified in Part 5 of Annex 1 of the FTP Code 2010 | Meet the requirements for the lining of bulkheads, walls, and ceilings as specified in Part 5 of Annex 1 of the FTP Code 2010 | |||
| (Ultimate) oxygen index | ≥40 % | ≥40 % | ≥40 % | |||
| Flame resistance | The material self-extinguishes within 1 second after ignition and leaves no molten droplets | The material self-extinguishes within 1 second after ignition and leaves no molten droplets | The material self-extinguishes within 1 second after ignition and leaves no molten droplets | |||
| Heat of combustion (latent heat of material) | ≤45 MJ/m² | ≤45 MJ/m² | ≤45 MJ/m² | |||
| Asbestos content | Zero | Zero | Zero | |||
| Parameter | PVC Foam | PI Foam | Aramid Honeycomb |
| Density Range | 40–300 kg/m³ | 5.5–200 kg/m³ | 30–100 kg/m³ |
| Continuous Service Temp | <120°C | Up to 400°C | Up to 180°C |
| Specific Strength | Moderate | High (rigid foam) | Highest |
| Thermal Conductivity | Moderate | 0.02–0.04 W/m·K | Moderate |
| Dielectric / Wave-Transparent | Tunable | >95% in X-band (rigid grades) | Excellent |
| Flame Retardancy | High grades available | Inherent (LOI >42%) | Inherent (self-extinguishing) |
| Compressive Strength | 1–3 MPa | Up to 3 MPa (rigid grades) | Up to 12 MPa |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent (closed-cell) | Excellent | Good (requires edge sealing) |
| Processing Cost | Lowest | High | Very High |
| Compatible Processes | Infusion, Prepreg, RTM | Prepreg, Thermal Foaming | Prepreg, Film Adhesive Bonding |
PI Foam vs Melamine Foam/PI Foam vs Glass Fibre Wool
| Property | PI Foam (Polyimide Foam) | Melamine Foam | Glass Fibre Wool |
| Temperature Resistance | ⭐ Excellent, continuous use up to 250°C | Good, typically up to 150°C | Excellent, up to 450–600°C |
| Flame Performance | Inherently flame resistant, low smoke and low toxicity | Good flame resistance, but limited at high temperatures | Non-combustible |
| Weight | ⭐ Ultra-lightweight | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Thermal Insulation | Excellent thermal insulation performance | Good | Good |
| Moisture Resistance | ⭐ Better moisture resistance | Poor due to open-cell structure | Moderate, requires protection |
| Mechanical Strength | ⭐ Higher strength and durability | Low, mainly for acoustic applications | Low, needs additional support |
| Acoustic Performance | Excellent sound absorption | Excellent sound absorption | Excellent sound absorption |
| Fiber Shedding | No fiber shedding | No fiber shedding | Possible fiber shedding |
| Processing & Installation | Easy cutting, bonding, and composite integration | Easy processing | Requires protective handling |
| Typical Applications | Aerospace, rail transit, EV battery, marine, high-temperature insulation | Acoustic panels, interior sound absorption | Building insulation, industrial insulation |
PI Foam CNC Machining & Kitting
Polyimide foam is available in thicknesses from thin sheets to 500 mm blocks, and can be machined into custom shapes. This versatility makes it suitable for tailored insulation, acoustic panels, pipe wraps, radomes, and 5G enclosures without compromising its extreme-temperature resistance, light weight, or fire-safe performance.
FAQ of PI Foam Core
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What are the main applications of JLon polyimide foam in the marine industry？
JLon polyimide foam is widely used on LNG carriers for cryogenic tank and pipe insulation at –163°C, on naval vessels for fire-safe bulkheads, steam pipe lagging, and radar-absorbing substrates, and on icebreakers for hull lining, deck insulation, and impact-damping panels. Its lightweight, low-smoke, and corrosion-resistant properties make it ideal for demanding marine environments.
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Where is JLon polyimide foam used on aircraft？
It is applied in fuselage and cabin insulation (thermal and acoustic), engine cowlings (heat protection), pipe and wire insulation, air conditioning duct lining, radomes (radar-transparent protection), honeycomb core panels for flooring and doors, and seat cushioning / interior components – delivering weight savings, fire resistance, smoke-free safety, and noise damping across commercial and military aviation.
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Can JLon polyimide foam be used for both thermal insulation and structural support？
Yes. Our rigid high-strength structural grade (70–300 kg/m³ / 4.4–18.7 lb/ft³) is specifically designed to provide load-bearing capacity while delivering thermal insulation. It is used in high-speed rail flooring, 5G base station platforms, marine decks, and industrial equipment mounts where both strength and thermal protection are required.
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Is JLon polyimide foam suitable for cryogenic applications like LNG carriers？
Yes. Our PI foam performs reliably at –196°C and below, making it an excellent choice for LNG cargo containment systems, pipe supports, and expansion joint fillers. It remains flexible, does not become brittle, and maintains low thermal conductivity to minimize boil-off gas (BOG).
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How does polyimide foam improve fire safety compared to other insulation materials？
Unlike PU or PIR foams that release toxic hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide when burning, polyimide foam is smoke-free, non-toxic, and halogen-free, which is critical for enclosed environments like ships, submarines, and aircraft.
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What customizations are available for polyimide foam？
Polyimide foam can be supplied in various thicknesses (from thin sheets to 500 mm blocks), densities (5–300 kg/m³), and grades (flexible, rigid, acoustic, radar-absorbing, radiation-shielding). We also offer die-cutting, lamination, molding, and profiling to meet specific dimensional and performance requirements.
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Can polyimide foam replace traditional insulation materials like mineral wool or phenolic foam？
Yes – and in many cases it outperforms them. Polyimide foam offers significantly lower weight (6.4 kg/m³ marine grade vs. 30+ kg/m³ for mineral wool), better cryogenic flexibility, smoke-free combustion, and integrated acoustic absorption.
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What industries commonly specify polyimide foam？
Polyimide foam is specified across aerospace, marine (naval and commercial), high-speed rail, 5G telecommunications, defense, and industrial insulation sectors. It is the material of choice for engineers who require extreme temperature performance, fire safety, weight reduction, and acoustic control in a single solution.
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Can JLon polyimide foam replace Solimide？
Yes. Our foam achieves same performances as Solimide.
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Is it truly smoke-free and non-toxic in a fire？
Yes. Unlike PU or PIR foams that release hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, Jloncell polyimide foam produces minimal smoke and no halogenated toxins