Hyperbranched poly(arylene ether amide) via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction

Abstract

New hyperbranched poly(arylene ether amides) with fluorine or hydroxy end groups were synthesized from AB(2) or A(2)B type monomers via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction. Monomer syntheses were facilitated by chemo-selective amidation reactions, and even a direct synthesis of hyperbranched polymer was possible without isolation of the monomer. The resulting hyperbranched poly(arylene ether amides) showed highly branched characteristics (DB=0.43-0.53), high glass transition temperatures (T-g > 220 degrees C), and high thermal stability (Td(10) > 420 degrees C). All hyperbranched polymers were readily soluble in aprotic polar solvents such as DMF, DMSO, and NMP regardless of the end groups. Such a similar solubility pattern may result from the high amide contents and longer branching distances between adjacent branching points in these hyperbranched polymer backbones.