Synthesis and properties of novel random and block copolymers composed of phthalimidine- and perfluoroisopropylidene-polyarylether-sulfones

A series of novel polyarylethersulfone (AB)(n) block copolymers with differ ent segment lengths have been synthesized by nucleophilic solution polycond ensation of phenoxide-terminated and fluorine-terminated oligomers; random copolymers have been prepared over the whole composition ranges. The struct ures of the resultant copolymers have been confirmed by FTIR, C-13 NMR spec tra and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Compared with two homopoly mers and random copolymers, the block copolymers of this study possess exce llent thermal stability (5% thermal decomposition under nitrogen atmosphere above 500 C) and high glass transition temperatures, and have a wide melt- processing temperature range. They may become a new class of mouldable high performance thermoplastics. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.