This work reports the synthesis and characterization of diamantane-bas
ed polyimides obtained from 1,6-bis [4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl] diamant
ane and various aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides. This novel poly
imide exhibits a low dielectric constant (2.56-2.78), low moisture abs
orption (<0.292%), good solubility, and high number-average molecular
weights (M-n: 3.7 x 10(4) to 12.8 x 10(4)). This kind of diamantane-ba
sed polyimide can form a tough and transparent film after cyclodehydra
tion. The films have tensile strengths of 74.4-118.2 MPa, elongations
to break of 5.2-24.3%, and initial moduli of 1.9-2.2 GPa. Dynamic mech
anical analysis (DMA) reveals that there is subglass relaxation above
300 degrees C for structures 7a, 7d, and 7g, which is unusual for most
of the typical polyimides. This type of novel diamantane-based polyim
ide is very promising for electronic applications due to its good mech
anical properties, good thermal stability, low dielectric constant, an
d low moisture absorption.