Segmented copolymers of uniform tetra-amide units and poly(phenylene oxide): 1. Synthesis and thermal-mechanical properties

Copolymers of telechelic poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) segments with terephthalic methyl ester endgroups (PPE-2T), 13 wt% crystallisable tetra-amide segments of uniform length (two-and-a-half repeating unit of nylon-6,T) and dodecanediol (C12) as an extender were made via a polycondensation reaction in the melt. The maximum reaction temperature was 280 degreesC. The PPE-2T/C12/T6T6T copolymers are semi-crystalline materials with a T-g around 170 degreesC, a melting temperature of 264-270 degreesC and a T-g/T-m ratio of above 0.8. The modulus is high up to the T-g, which is not achievable in a blend of PPE and polyamide. The most probable morphology is that of long crystalline nano-ribbons in he amorphous matrix. The materials are slightly transparent and have good solvent resistance, low water absorption and good processability. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.