Synthesis and properties of novel selenium containing polyimides with various dianhydrides

Novel selenium-containing polyimides were prepared from bis(1,3-di-p-dimethylaminobenzylpyrimidine-2- selenon) and bis(1,3-di-p-dimethylaminobenzyldiazepane-2-selenon) and with various aromatic dianhydrides in a one-stage polycondensation at high temperature in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The polyimides have inherent viscosities that range from 1.55 to 2.05 dL/g in NMP at 30 degrees C. These polymers showed glass transition temperatures between 188 and 268 degrees C, and an initial decomposition temperature from 421 to 502 degrees C with a 10% mass loss occurring from 480 to 547 degrees C in air.