PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF HIGH TRANSITION-TEMPERATURE AROMATIC POLYPHOSPHONATES BY PHASE-TRANSFER-CATALZYED POLYCONDENSATION OF PHENYLPHOSPHONIC DICHLORIDE WITH BISPHENOLS

Aromatic polyphosphonates of high molecular weights were prepared from phenylphosphonic dichloride and bisphenols having rigid ring structures by the two-phase polycondensation in organic solvent-aqueous alkaline solution system with phase-transfer catalyst at 0 degree C or below. The effects of reaction solvent and catalyst on the inherent viscosities of the polymers formed are studied. The glass transition temperatures of the polyphosphonates with biphenyl, phenylindane, and diphenylfluorene units are 120, 124, and 188 degree C, respectively. These polymers are self-extinguishing and are readily soluble in solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide, pyridine, tetrahydrofuran, and chloroform. They began to lose weight above 300 degree C in air. Copolyphosphonates from combinations of bisphenols and phenylphosphonic dichloride are also prepared and characterized.