Synthesis and Characterization of [60] Fullerene-Glycidyl Azide Polymer and Its Thermal Decomposition

A new functionalized [60]fullerene-glycidyl azide polymer (C-60-GAP) was synthesized for the first time using a modified Bingel reaction of [60]fullerene (C-60) and bromomalonic acid glycidyl azide polymer ester (BM-GAP). The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analyses. Results confirmed the successful preparation of C-60-GAP. Moreover, the thermal decomposition of C-60-GAP was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectroscopy (TGA-IR), and in situ FTIR. C-60-GAP decomposition showed a three-step thermal process. The first step was due to the reaction of the azide group and fullerene at approximately 150 degrees C. The second step was ascribed to the remainder decomposition of the GAP main chain and N-heterocyclic at approximately 240 degrees C. The final step was attributed to the burning decomposition of amorphous carbon and carbon cage at around 600 degrees C.