A series of polyimide films prepared from 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and selected diamines were compared with those from pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA), 3,4,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and benzophenonetet racarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, as well as the chemical resistance of these films, were measured. The data presented in the following paper demonstrate the excellent properties characteristic of ODPA polyimides and the versatility obtainable through the careful selection of the diamine.