Oligomers and polymers containing phenylethynyl groups

The intent of this review was to provide information on the chemistry and properties of phenylethynyl-containing oligomers and polymers and their cured resins. These materials offer a unique combination of attractive properties. For structural applications, these materials, particularly the phenylethynyl-terminated oligomers, can offer an excellent combination of properties, such as processability, mechanical performance, and environmental stability. Many areas, such as coatings, oriented films, or tribological forms of the phenylethynyl-containing materials, have received no or only superficial evaluation. Perhaps the one factor that may limit their use is cost. To a large degree, cost is volume dependent. The cost of phenylacetylene (used to prepare the monomers and end cappers) is the single largest contributor to the material cost. It is hoped that this review may encourage further development and the use of these materials in high-performance applications. Copyright © 2000 by Marcel Dekker, Inc.