SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(ARYLENE ETHER IMIDAZOLE)S

Poly(arylene ether imidazole)s were prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of a bisphenol imidazole with activated aromatic dihalides. The polymers had glass transition temperatures ranging from 230 to 318-degrees-C and number-average molecular weights as high as 82,000 g/mol. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a 5% weight loss occurring approximately 400-degrees-C in air and approximately 500-degrees-C in nitrogen. Typical neat resin mechanical properties obtained at room temperature included tensile strength and tensile modulus of 14.2 and 407 ksi and fracture energy (G(lc)) of 23 in.lb/in.2 Titanium-to-titanium tensile shear strengths measured at 23 and 200-degrees-C were 4800 and 3000 psi, respectively. In addition, preliminary data were obtained on carbon fiber laminates. The chemistry, physical, and mechanical properties of these polymers are discussed.