Preparation and characterization of brominated polyethersulfones

A novel derivative of aromatic polyethersulfone (PES) was obtained by bromi nation. Victrex PES was reacted with bromine under various conditions: in s olution, in suspension, and without solvent; with or without catalyst; and at low and elevated temperatures. Practically no bromination occurred in so lution; in the other cases, brominated PESs to various extents were obtaine d. The degree of substitution (DS) varied between 0.3 and 2.3. It was found that no catalyst is required for this reaction; the temperature, the conce ntrations of bromine and of polymer in the reaction mixture, and the durati on of the reaction are the determinant factors of the DS. The modified poly mers were characterized by elemental analysis, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, and PGC-M S, and their thermal properties were investigated by TGA and DSC methods. F urther transformations of brominated PES as well as other new chemical reac tions of PES will be the subject of later publications. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.