SYNTHESIS OF A POLY(ARYL ETHER SULFONE) POLY(ARYL ETHER KETONE) TRIBLOCK COPOLYMER

The synthesis of a block copolymer containing poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) and poly(aryl ether ketone) (PEAK) is an interesting route com bining in a single material thermal resistance (glass transition tempe rature, T-g >200 degrees C) and high environmental resistance. The syn thesis involves the functionalization of the PAES polymer with anhydri de chain ends and its further reaction with a PAEK polymer having one amine chain end. A true triblock copolymer is obtained. The block copo lymer as well as all intermediates of the synthesis have been fully ch aracterized, for example by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and viscometry. Preliminary properties of the copolyme r are increased compared with the PAES polymers. Moreover, the copolym er exhibits a T-g above 200 degrees C together with a melting temperat ure lower than 400 degrees C. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.