Early in NASAΓÇÖs history, space engineers were asked to decrease the flammability, smoke and toxicity of materials used in spacecraft. This requirement facilitated the production of a polyimide foam that is used in the Space Shuttle for thermal insulation, as well as packaging and protecting fragile equipment. New, commercial uses for this polyimide foam are as thermal and acoustical insulation in aerospace, marine and industrial markets, as well as for fire barriers, packaging and other applications requiring either high temperature or very low temperature insulation in critical environments.
