POLY(ETHER SULFONE)S MADE FROM 4,4'-DIHYDROXYSTILBENE AND 4,4'-DIFLUORODIPHENYLSULFONE - SYNTHESIS, CROSS-LINKING, AND EPOXIDATION WITH HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE

High molecular weight polymers from trans-4,4'-dihydroxystilbene, bisp henols, and 4,4'-difluorodiphenylsulfone were synthesized by a nucleop hilic displacement reaction using DMAc as solvent in the presence of p otassium carbonate. Characterization and crosslinking studies of these polymers were carried out by DSC, TGA, TMA, x-ray diffraction, and so lution and solid NMR. It was found that all polymers can be crosslinke d to some extent on heating to 350 degrees C. We also studied the epox idation of these polymers with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of me thyltrioctylammonium tetrakis (diperoxotungsto) phosphate (3-) as the catalyst in a biphasic system. The epoxidized polymers are thermally c rosslinkable. Very efficient crosslinking was obtained by heating the epoxidized polymers at 350 degrees C under nitrogen. (C) 1995 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.