Synthesis and properties of organosoluble poly(ether imide)s containing 4,4'(octahydro-4,7-methano-5H-inden-5-ylidene) cardo group

A series of organosoluble aromatic poly(ether imide)s (PEIs) VIIa-k were sy nthesized from 4,4'-[(octahydro-4,7-methano-5H-inden-5-ylidene)bis(1,4-phen ylene)dioxy]diphthalic dianhydride (IV) and various aromatic diamines. PEIs synthesized through two-stage polymerization had inherent viscosities of 0 .51-0.64 dL/g. This series of polymers could also be synthesized from IV an d diamines in a small amount of refluxing m-cresol in a one-step process an d had inherent viscosities of 0.65-0.87 dL/g. For the low melting point dia mines (Vj and Vk), polymers could be obtained by bulk polymerization and ha d inherent viscosities of 0.36 and 0.41 dL/g. Polymers showed good organoso lubility and could be cast into transparent, flexible, and tough polyimide films with good tensile properties. These PEIs had glass transition tempera tures among 203-281 degrees C. Thermogravimetric analyses established that these polymers were fairly stable up to 430 degrees C, and the 10% weight l oss temperatures were recorded in the range of 473-503 degrees C in nitroge n and 481-512 degrees C in air atmosphere. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.