Synthesis, modification, and characterization of hyperbranched poly(ether ketones)

This report presents the synthesis and chemical modification of hyperbranched poly(ether ketones). The polymer was conveniently prepared by direct polycondensation of an AB(2) monomer, 3,5-diphenoxybenzoic acid, using phosphorus pentoxide/methanesulfonic acid (PPMA) as the condensing agent and solvent. The hyperbranched poly(ether ketone) could be modified via the electrophilic aromatic substitution of the active phenoxy groups at the chain ends with a variety of carboxylic acids. The thermal properties of the hyperbranched poly(ether ketones) depend heavily on the nature of the chain end, with glass transition temperature ranging from -24 degrees C to 180 degrees C. Moreover, the length of the terminal alkyl groups significantly influences the solubility of the hyperbranched poly(ether ketones). By varying the chain ends, hyperbranched poly(ether ketones) soluble in either a polar or nonpolar solvent could be obtained. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.