Reflective and surface conductive flexible polyimide (PI) films were prepared by the incorporation of silver(l) acetate and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione into a dimethylacetamide solution of several poly(amic acid)s which were prepared from dianhydrides and diamines. Thermal curing of the silver(I)-containing poly(amino acid)s precursor led to cycloirniclization of the PI with silver(l) reduction and formation of a reflective and conductive silvered surface at about 13 wt % silver. Effects on silver particles migration and aggregation were discussed in this article. The results indicated that the PI structures with flexible chains and groups easily fabricate the silvered films, with both reflective and conductive characteristics. With the forced air condition, the evaporation rate of the solvent and water increases, which facilitates the migration of silver particles to give reflective and conductive silvered surfaces. Films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. Electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were performed on the metallized films. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.