POLY[2-PHENYLENE-(5-BENZIMIDAZOLE)] ISOPHTHALAMIDE - MACROMOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION

Two different synthetic routes have been used to synthesize poly[2-phe nylene-(5-benzimidazole)]isophthalamide (PABI), an aromatic polyamide that shows good compatibility with rigid chain polymers such as poly(p -benzamide). The influence of the conditions of synthesis in determini ng the molecular weight of PABI has been investigated in order to use this polymer for rigid-flexible copolymers with specific characteristi cs. Values of [eta] and M(w) have been determined in 96% H2SO4 and dim ethylacetamide, and conformational properties have been investigated b y viscometry and molecular dynamics simulations.