SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(PHENYLENE SULFIDE), POLY(2-METHYLPHENYLENE SULFIDE), AND POLY(2,6-DIMETHYLPHENYLENE SULFIDE)

A facile synthesis of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS), poly(2‐methylphenylene sulfide) (PMPS), and poly(2,6‐dimethylphenylene sulfide) (PDMPS) from the respective copper (I) bromothiophenoxides is described. Polymerization was effected in a 10:1 quinoline:pyridine mixture at atmospheric pressure and conditions optimized for the preparation of high‐molecular‐weight materials. The preparation of PPS in pyridine under pressure at 250°C has been investigated for comparative purposes. Yields and the properties of materials produced by solution polymerization are comparable to or better than those produced in the autoclave reaction. Properties have been investigated as a function of reaction time and molecular weight, and the deficiencies of the molecular‐weight assessment methods are discussed. PMPS and PDMPS have been similarly studied and their properties evaluated. The use of heat of crystallization determinations for molecular‐weight studies on PPS are described and critically evaluated. Copyright © 1979 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.