Polyimides are a kind of polymers containing imide ring in the backbone

and the high conjugation and aromaticity endow the fiber with high tensile strength and modulus

excellent thermal stability

chemical resistance and other outstanding performances. Polyimide fiber with the excellent properties will be extensively used in many fields

such as aeronautics and astronautics

military and civilian

insulation

separation and environmental protection

and other potential demands. However

due to the monomer structural limitation and some unsolved spinning techniques

the development and application of polyimide fiber are restricted. In recent years

polyimide fiber has been developed prosperously along with the synthesis of various structural polyimides and the improvement in spinning technique. In this review

we give an overview of the excellent properties

preparation and application fields of polyimide fiber. In addition

the domestic and foreign achievements and industrialization progress are introduced briefly.