Polyethersulfone polymers and oligomers — Morphology and crystallization

Abstract

Crystal forms of polyethersulfones (PES) were investigated by using a model compound and a low molecular weight oligomer. These are amorphous as-synthesized, and can undergo solvent-induced crystallization under the appropriate conditions. The model compound, 4,4′-bis(p-methoxyphenoxy)diphenyl sulfone, yielded monocrystals, and its structure was solved using X-ray diffraction. Conformational disorder is present, two conformers cohabiting in 55:45 proportions. This model compound, combined to previous structural studies published in the literature, served as a basis for conformational studies of polyethersulfone. Low molecular weight polymers submitted to solvent-induced crystallization resulted in a PES crystal form different from that previously published in the literature, as shown by powder X-ray diffraction.