A new series of diamines, 4-aryl-2,6 bis(4-amino phenyl)pyridine, bearing b
ulky aromatic-type pendant groups were prepared and reacted with three diff
erent dianhydrides. The best conditions of polymerization and imidization w
ere obtained via a study of model compound. All polyimides showed excellent
thermal stability, and those based on hexafluoroisopropylidene-2.2-bis(pht
halic-dianhydride) had very good solubility in polar aprotic solvents.