N,N'-(4,4'-diphenylmethane)bismaleimide is an aromatic bismaleimide resin known for its excellent high temperature resistance and mechanical properties. It is a high melting point yellow powder with strong chemical resistance.In the electronics field, BMI resins manufactured by Yangchen tech is used to make heat-resistant laminates and electrical insulation materials for harsh conditions (H/F grades).
In contrast, traditional epoxy resins are widely used in PCB laminates and adhesives due to their low cost and ease of use, but they begin to lose strength and degrade at high temperatures. This blog compares the material properties and application differences of 4,4′-bismaleimide (BMI) and epoxy resins in electronic devices.
N,N'-(4,4'-diphenylmethane)bismaleimide
Whatever you needs, Yangchen Tech is at your side.
Warehouse of Yangchen Tech
Whatever you needs, Yangchen Tech is at your side.
Warehouse of Yangchen Tech
Whatever you needs, Yangchen Tech is at your side.
The rigid, highly conjugated structure of N,N'-(4,4'-diphenylmethane) bismaleimide gives it a high melting point (about 150-160°C) and glass transition temperature. It is almost insoluble in water/ethanol, but soluble in polar organic solvents such as acetone or DMF. High curing temperatures (usually 200-250°C) make BMI crosslinked into a dense three-dimensional network structure with excellent thermal stability.Commercial systems usually mix BMI with vinyl or allyl comonomers (e.g. DABA, vinyl phenol) to improve toughness. Cured BMI is still harder and stronger than most epoxies at high temperatures.
Technical Indicators
Appearance
Melting point
Acid value
Volatile
Specification
Gel time 200℃
Toluene Solubility
Yellow powder
150-160℃
≤1mgKOH/g
≤1%
>98%
<300 S
Totally soluble or a small amount of insoluble matter, transparent solution
The significant advantage of 4,4′-bismaleimide (BMI) resins is thermal stability. Unlike standard epoxy resins, which soften and lose modulus above about 120-150°C, BMI-based networks maintain mechanical integrity at temperatures well above 200°C.
BMIs maintain strength and stiffness in high temperature environments (e.g., aerospace engines, gas turbines) where epoxies tend to fail.
In fact, high-Tg BMI laminates or prepregs maintain excellent mechanical properties up to about 250°C.
In contrast, most epoxy-based electronic materials have a Tg below 150°C, limiting them to low-grade insulation applications. BMI also has excellent mechanical strength and stiffness. Its rigid aromatic backbone gives it high tensile and flexural strength. Compared to epoxies, BMI composites can withstand greater static and dynamic loads without deformation.
For example, parts made with a 4,4′-BMI matrix, such as aircraft fuselage panels or connector housings, will exhibit higher compression and impact resistance than equivalent epoxy-based parts. In tests, BMI composites have demonstrated improved durability under heavy loads and high-velocity impacts, thereby extending the service life and improving the safety of high-performance equipment.
While epoxies are tough at room temperature, they tend to become brittle or creep at elevated temperatures, while the network rigidity of BMI remains strong. Another key advantage is its chemical and environmental resistance. BMI resins are more resistant to corrosion from solvents, acids, and other chemicals than typical epoxy formulations.
Property
4,4′-BMI (Bismaleimide Resin)
Epoxy Resin
Glass Transition (Tg)
>200 °C (often ~250 °C); stable mechanical/dielectric at high temps
~100–150 °C; mechanical properties degrade above ~120 °C
High-Temp Strength
Retains strength up to ~250 °C
Softens and may creep/fail well below 200 °C
Mechanical Modulus
Stiffer at all temperatures (especially when toughened)
Less stiff overall; can be toughened but weakens at high temp
Density
Lightweight vs. metal; potentially lighter than epoxy formulations
Lightweight vs. metal; but slightly denser than BMI in some cases
Thermal Conductivity
Poor conductor; can be filled for thermal applications
Poor conductor; also fillable with ceramics or carbon
Electrical Insulation
Meets Class F/H (155–180 °C); suitable for motors, coils, high-temp circuits
Often limited to Class B (130 °C); may not meet high-temp specs
Flame Rating
Inherently flame-retardant; low smoke/toxicity, fewer additives needed
Needs more additives for flame retardancy
N,N′-(4,4′-Diphenylmethane)Bismaleimide (BMI) manufactured by Yangchen Tech is a high-performance thermosetting resin used as a matrix in adhesives, composites, and electronic materials. It is valued in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other industries for exceptional thermal and mechanical properties. In its solid form it appears as a light-yellow powder .
The molecular structure features two maleimide end-groups linked by a diphenylmethane bridge, which creates a rigid, highly crosslinked network upon curing. This architecture gives BMI resin outstanding thermal stability and strength, making it ideal for high-temperature adhesives and composite matrices.
N,N'-(4,4′-Diphenylmethane)Bismaleimide
Whatever you needs, Yangchen Tech is at your side.
Structure
Whatever you needs,Yangchen Tech is at your side.
Stock
Whatever you needs, Yangchen Tech is at your side.
Molecular structure of N,N′-(4,4′-diphenylmethane)Bismaleimide (BMI) – two maleimide rings (green) bridged by a phenyl-methylene unit. The rigid aromatic structure yields a very high glass transition temperature (Tg) – typically >260°C – and continuous-use stability up to ~200–230°C. By contrast, standard epoxy resins begin to soften above ~150–180°C. In practical terms, BMI-based adhesives and composites maintain structural integrity in severe heat (e.g. under engine hoods or in avionics) where epoxies would degrade. For example, a BMI adhesive film (Final Advanced Materials 307) is rated for long-term use to 240°C. This exceptional heat resistance ensures that bonded joints and composite parts retain stiffness and strength under prolonged high-temperature exposure.
Yangchen Tech’s BMI resin – a light yellow powder. This form (light-yellow granular powder) is convenient for formulation into adhesives and polymer matrices. According to Yangchen Tech, BMI resin has a melting point around 155°C and is insoluble in water/ethanol but soluble in solvents like acetone or DMF. These properties facilitate easy handling (dry powder blending) and processing (complete cure at 180–250°C) in industrial formulations.
Outstanding Chemical Resistance
BMI resins are inherently inert to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, making them suitable for harsh environments. The imide rings and aromatic backbone resist hydrolysis and chemical attack. For instance, Yangchen Tech notes the material “has excellent resistance to a variety of chemical solvents and corrosive substances”. In practical tests, a BMI adhesive film (Final Advanced 307) showed “very high” resistance to strong acids (sulfuric, phosphoric, pH=1 at 60°C) and polar solvents (acetone, MEK, NMP). It also bonds well to chemically inert substrates (Al, PTFE, glass). By comparison, many epoxy or polyurethane adhesives can be degraded by strong solvents or acids; BMI-based systems maintain performance where epoxies cannot. This broad chemical stability means BMI adhesives and coatings last longer in aggressive media – e.g. chemical processing equipment or automotive under-hood components – and require less frequent maintenance.
Key features of BMI resin include:
Solvent Resistance: Excellent stability in ketones, esters and other organics. Final Advanced Materials reports its BMI adhesive is rated “very resistant to various chemicals”.
Acid/Alkali Resistance: Effective stability in strong acids (tested at pH 1); alkali resistance is also generally high (though surface prep may be needed).
Low Moisture Uptake: BMI absorbs <1% water, preserving insulating and mechanical properties in humid environments (important for electronics and outdoor composites).
These features allow BMI formulations to be used as durable insulation varnishes, chemical-resistant coatings, and structural adhesives in corrosive settings. As one application note states, BMI’s chemical inertness “extends the service life” of equipment in oil & gas, marine or chemical industries.
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