Syntheses, advantageous thermal modification and properties of various
ly N-substituted functional polymaleimides are described. Specific the
rmal properties of the polymers monitored by thermogravimetric analysi
s (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are summarized. Th
e facile modification of the functional polymaleimides by thermal or a
cid-catalyzed deprotection offers versatile means in functional transf
ormation and lithographic application of the polymers.