Novel poly(thiourea‐ether‐imide)s derived from 4,4′‐oxydiphenyl‐bis(thiourea): probing the possibility for high‐temperature applications

AbstractOur interest in the fabrication of high‐performance polyimides has led to thiourea‐substituted poly(thiourea‐ether‐imide)s (PTEIs) with good retention of thermal properties along with flame retardancy. A new aromatic monomer, 4,4′‐oxydiphenyl‐bis(thiourea) (ODPBT), was efficiently synthesized and polymerized with various dianhydrides (pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic dianhydride) via two‐stage chemical imidization to fabricate a series of PTEIs. The structural characterization of ODPBT and the polymers was carried out using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral techniques along with crystallinity, organosolubility, inherent viscosity and gel permeation chromatographic measurements. PTEIs bearing CS and Omoieties in the backbone demonstrated an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in various amide solvents. The novel polymers had inherent viscosities of 1.16–1.23 dL g−1 and molecular weights of ca 90 783–96 927 g mol−1. Their thermal stability was substantiated via 10% weight loss in the temperature range 516–530 °C under inert atmosphere. The polyimides had glass transition temperatures of 260–265 °C. Incorporation of thiourea functionalities into polymer backbones is demonstrated to be an effective way to enhance their thermal properties and flame retardancy. Thus, ODPBT can be considered as an excellent candidate for use in the synthesis of high‐performance polymeric materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry