Synthesis and characterization of arylene ether imide reactive oligomers and polymers containing diaryl alkyl phosphine oxide groups

The diamine monomer bis(m-aminophenyl) methyl phosphine oxide (DAMPO) was synthesized via nitration and reduction of diphenyl methyl phosphine oxide. Rigorous purification of this monomer enabled its utilization in the synthesis of high molecular weight poly(ether imide)s. Both thermoplastic materials and thermosetting systems, endcapped with either phthalic or phenylethynylphthalic anhydride, respectively, have been produced. Major emphasis has been placed on polyimides derived from 2,2'-bis(4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl) propane dianhydride, also known as bisphenol-A dianhydride, or BPADA. High molecular weight home-and copolyimides based on BPADA/DAMPO had glass transition temperature values in the range of 215-223 degrees C, and were totally amorphous. They displayed higher modulus and tensile strength values than the polyetherimide control based on meta-phenylene diamine and also generated high TGA char yields in air. Phenylethynyl crosslinkable materials were effectively cured at 380 degrees C to produce networks that are ductile, very solvent resistant and also generate high char yields, which suggest their possible utilization in fire resistant matrix systems. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.