Synthesis and characterization of new polyamides based on diphenylaminoisosorbide

New aromatic polyamides were synthesized by the microwave-assisted poly-condensation of an optically active isosorbide-derived diamine with different diacyl chlorides in the presence of a small amount of N-methylpyrrolidinone. Polymers with inherent viscosities between 0.22 and 0.73 dL/g were obtained corresponding to molecular weights up to 140,000 g/mol. With interfacial polymerization or the Higashi method, lower molecular weight polymers were obtained with inherent viscosities in the range of 0.04-0.36 dL/g. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements clearly demonstrated the high thermal stability of these polymers (mp = 180-300 degrees C) and the absence of decomposition. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.