Recent advances in synthesis of high-temperature aromatic polymers

This paper reviews our current studies on the synthesis of high-temperature aromatic polymers with emphasis on the synthesis of new classes of aromatic polymers and also on the exploration of new synthetic methods for aromatic polymers as well. The first topic is the synthesis of new soluble aromatic polymers having high glass-transition temperatures above 300 degrees C, such as aramids and polyimides, starting from a variety of aromatic diamines that have bulky pendant phenyl groups or crank and twisted non-coplanar structures. The second is the preparation of novel polyimide-silica hybrid materials via a sol-gel process. The third is the rapid microwave induced synthesis of polyamides and polyimides. The fourth is the high pressure synthesis of polyimides and polybenzoxazoles.