Method for the manufacture of a poly(imide) prepolymer powder and varnish, poly(imide) prepolymer powder and varnish prepared thereby, and poly(imide) prepared therefrom

A method for the manufacture of a poly(imide) prepolymer varnish, the method comprising,

• combining a bisanhydride powder or an organic diamine and a solvent comprising a C1-6 alcohol, water soluble ketone, water, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing to form a mixture;
• and
• adding an organic diamine or a bisanhydride powder to the mixture under conditions effective to form a poly(imide) prepolymer, provided that when the bisanhydride powder is combined with the solvent, the organic diamine is added to the mixture to form the poly(imide) prepolymer, and when the organic diamine is combined with the solvent, the bisanhydride powder is added to the mixture to form the poly(imide) prepolymer;
• wherein the method further comprises at least one of the following process steps:
• adding an effective amount of a secondary or tertiary amine to solubilize the poly(imide) prepolymer in the solvent;
• heating the mixture comprising the poly(imide) prepolymer to a temperature effective to provide a varnish;
• and
• agitating the mixture under conditions effective to provide a varnish;
• and
• wherein the poly(imide) prepolymer varnish has a residual organic diamine content of less than or equal to 1000 ppm.