Functional Modification of Meta-aramid: A Review

Meta-aramid is a high-performance polymer based on amide aromatic rings, which has excellent properties because of its amide bonds and rigid aromaticity. Meta-aramid has been widely used in the fields of transportation, energy, communication, high-performance protective clothing, military, and aerospace due to its extraordinary thermal stability, mechanical properties, and chemical structural stability. Compared to aliphatic polyamides, meta-aramid has higher stiffness and glass transition temperature. In addition, meta-aramid has poor solubility, and the interfacial compatibility with other materials needs to be improved. Therefore, meta-aramid is modified by copolymerization and surface grafting for the purpose of intensifying its functions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the methods for modification of meta-aramid and the properties of the modified meta-aramids.