Abstract: Polyimide oligomers of the general formula: M-(Z—Y—X—Y—Z)n-M wherein n is an integer of 1 to 20; X comprises an aromatic diamine containing 2-4 aryl moieties, each of which contains 0-4 substituents; Z is independently the same as X or is a different aromatic diamine containing 1-4 aryl moieties, each of which contains 0-4 substituents; Y comprises an aromatic dianhydride containing 1-4 aryl moieties, each of which contains 0-4 substituents; and M is independently the same as Y or is a substituted or unsubstituted anhydride, a substituted or unsubstituted dianhydride, a substituted or unsubstituted bisimide, or a substituted or unsubstituted monomeric or oligomeric phthalonitrile.