SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(AMIDE-IMIDE)S CONTAINING 1,6-DIAMANTANE MOIETIES IN THE MAIN-CHAIN

A series of new poly(amide-imide)s were synthesized by direct polycond ensation of the 1,6-bis(trimellitimido)diamantane (1) with various aro matic diamines in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) containing lithium chlo ride. The poly(amide-imide)s had inherent viscosities of 0.33 - 1.55 d L/g. The new polycyclic monomer 1 was synthesized from 1,6-diaminodiam antane with trimellitic anhydride. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveale d polymers 3 a-c to have main transitions at 385 degrees C, 385 degree s C, and 330 degrees C, respectively. Moreover, these polymers were st able at high temperatures and maintained good mechanical properties (G ' approximate to 10(8) Pa) up to temperatures close to the main transi tion well above 350 degrees C. Their 5% weight loss temperatures range d from 421 to 448 degrees C in nitrogen, and from 417 to 426 degrees C in air. A glass transition of poly(amide-imide)s 3 was not observed. Poly(amide-imide)s 3 (except 3e) were soluble in NMP, pyridine, and o- chlorophenol. Some of the polymers (3a-c) could be cast into flexible films. Their cast films had tensile strengths ranging from 35.5 to 46. 9 MPa, elongations at break from 5.8 to 7.5%, and initial moduli from 1.8 to 2.1 GPa.