Synthesis of polyetherimides with perfluoroalkyl side chains - Applicationto the development of dense films for pervaporation

The polymerization of bisphenol-A diphthalic anhydride with 2,3-bis(perfluo roalkylmethyl) butane-1,4 diamine led to a new series of fluorinated poly(e therimide)s. The diamines were prepared by addition of RFI to N-allyl phtha limide followed by hydrolysis. Polymers and copolymers were prepared from m -phenylenediamine and 2,3-bis(nonafluorobutyl methyl) butane-1,4 diamine (R -F = C4F9) and were fully characterized. The effect of perfluorinated penda nt chains on solubility, glass temperature and surface energy of the synthe sized poly(etherimide)s is examined. Non-porous membranes obtained by the c asting method were tested for the dehydration of ethanol. The effect of the pendant chains on the permeability of water is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science S.A. All rights reserved.