Azobenzene modified poly(aryl ether ketone amide)s. I. Synthesis and physical properties

A series of azobenzene modified poly(aryl ether ketone amide)s was prepared by the low temperature polycondensation of trans-azobenzene-4,4'-dicarbonyl chloride with bis-1,4-(3-aminophenoxy-4'-benzoyl)-benzene and other aromatic diamines containing ether and keto groups. The polymers were amorphous, possessed glass transition temperatures between 167 and 218 degrees C and displayed good thermal stabilities under nitrogen and air up to about 400 degrees C. They dissolved readily in a number of organic solvents giving stable solutions. By employing conventional solvent casting techniques, mechanically robust polymer films were obtained with excellent levels of optical clarity. The poly(aryl ether ketone amide)s described here appear to be well suited for photochemical studies in both the solid state and in solution. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.