Bismaleimides and polybismaleimides containing ether and thioether bridges - Synthesis, reactivity and thermal behaviour

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of six structurally different bis-maleimides. They were prepared by reacting maleic anhydride with diamines containing ether and thioether bridges. Thermal polymerization of these monomers in the presence or absence of radical initiators was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Activation energy (E), kinetic order (n), rate constants (k) and heat of polymerization (Delta H) were determined. The cured resins are stable up to 334-418 degrees C both in argon and air atmosphere.