Synthesis and characterization of aromatic-aliphatic poly(enaminonitriles)

Novel, high molecular weight aromatic-aliphatic poly(enaminonitriles) (PEAN s) were prepared by the interfacial polymerization of 4 aromatic bis(chloro vinylidene cyanide) monomers with linear, aliphatic diamines containing 6, and 8-12 methylene units. Characterization was done with TGA, DSC, solution viscometry, GPC and spectroscopic methods. The PEANs displayed excellent s olubility in polar aprotic solvents and showed good thermal stability (5% w eight loss >325 degrees C) considering the aliphatic content of the chains. The polymers appeared to be completely amorphous and showed no melting tra nsitions by DSC. Molecular modeling studies suggested that steric interfere nce caused by the 2,2-dicyanovinyl functionality may hinder the formation o f crystalline regions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.