PERFLUOROCYCLOBUTANE AROMATIC ETHER POLYMERS

Novel polymers containing alternating perfluorocyclobutane and aromati c ether subunits are prepared from aryl poly(trifluorovinyl ether) mon omers via the thermal [2pi + 2pi] dimerization of the trifluorovinyl e ther functionality. A model study is described, which probes the natur e of the perfluorocyclobutane rings formed during the polymerization r eaction. The bifunctional monomer 4,4'-bis(trifluorovinylox)biphenyl a nd the trifunctional monomer 1,1,1-tris(4-trifluorovinyloxyphenyl)etha ne are prepared and polymerized to provide thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, respectively. Characterization of the mechanical and dielec tric properties of these new polymers is presented. (C) 1993 John Wile y & Sons, Inc.