Two series of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) composite films, PEI/bismaleimide (UTBM) and PEI /fluorinated BMI (UTFBM) were prepared using a thermoplastic PEI and two different crosslinkable imide moieties. The effects of chemical structure and content of crosslinkable imide moieties on thermal stability, dielectric properties, and water sorption have been investigated. Glass transition temperature and weight loss temperatures increased with increase in the content of crosslinkable imide moieties, indicating the enhanced thermal stability of the semi-IPN composite films. The refractive indices of the semi-IPN composite systems increased with increasing crosslinkable imide moieties due to the higher polarizabilities of atoms. The water sorption of the semi-IPN composite films was significantly decreased by the incorporation of crosslinkable imide moieties, which are interpreted by morphological structure. (D 2009 Wile), Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 777-783, 2009