Poly(ether–imide)s with flexible linkages and kinks

Abstract

Four new aromatic diimide–diol monomers were synthesized from bisphenol A dianhydride and hydroxyamines. The poly(ether–imide)s (PEI-1 to PEI-4) were synthesized from these diols and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone-IV via carbonyl-activated aromatic nucleophilic fluoro displacement reaction. The chemical structures of the monomers and PEIs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The PEIs synthesized here were amorphous and soluble in polar aprotic solvents and low-boiling organic solvents. The PEIs had good thermal stability, 10% weight loss occurred in the temperatures range of 400–448°C, and char yields at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere was in the range of 14–22%. The limiting oxygen index values of PEIs were in the range of 23.1–26.3, and such PEIs can be used as self-extinguishing polymers. The dielectric constants of the PEIs were in the range of 3.30–4.00, and such PEIs can be used as electrical insulation materials for systems operating at high temperature for long time.