High-Temperature Performance of Fibrous Polyimide Air Filters Publisher



Jafari A ; Jafari Zaveh M ; Jafari Nodoushan M ; Golbabaei F
Source: Materials Today Physics Published:2026

Abstract

Fibrous polyimide (PI) based air filters have emerged as leading candidates for high-performance filtration in extreme environments due to their exceptional thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and chemical resistance. Despite extensive research on fibrous filtration media and PI materials, a comprehensive synthesis of their combined potential in high-temperature air filtration has been lacking. This review bridges that gap by comprehensively analyzing fabrication strategies, including electrospinning, blow spinning, and composite engineering, and their influence on microstructure, functional properties, and filtration performance. We highlight the role of morphology control, multilayer architectures, and chemical modification (e.g., incorporation of polymers, carbon nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks, and silicon-based additives) in enhancing efficiency, pressure drop, and multifunctionality. Special emphasis is placed on thermal resistance, with PI-based filters demonstrating decomposition temperatures typically above 500 °C and stable operation approaching 400 °C, far surpassing conventional polymers such as PAN, PVDF, and PP. The review also elucidates trade-offs between functional enhancements and thermal endurance, underscoring the importance of monomer selection, composite formulation, and structural design. By consolidating performance data and identifying key structure–property relationships, this work provides a critical foundation for developing next generation PI-based filtration systems capable of sustained operation in high temperature, chemically aggressive, and particulate-rich environments. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.