TRIFLUOROMETHYLATED POLY(ETHER ETHER KETONE)S

Novel copolymers of poly(ether ether ketone) containing ring trifluoro methyl groups have been synthesized by starting with trifluorobenzophe none monomers. Unlike poly(ether sulfone) analogues, it is possible to prepare copolymers which contain CF3 groups ortho to the ether bridge s. The CF3 unit decreases the crystallinity of the polymer, with 50% a nd 100% copolymers being amorphous. This is accompanied by a rise in t he glass transition temperature, although the thermal stability, mecha nical properties and hydrophobicity of the polymer are largely unaffec ted.