Controlled molecular weight poly(arylene ether benzimidazole)s endcapped with benzimidazole and ethynyl groups

Abstract

A series of controlled molecular weight poly(arylene ether benzimidazole)s (PAEBIs) endcapped with either benzimidazole, ethynyl or phenylethynyl groups was prepared and characterized. PAEBIs endcapped with either ethynyl or phenylethynyl groups were thermally cured to provide polymers with improved moisture and solvent resistance and higher glass transition temperature than PAEBIs without reactive endcaps. The synthesis and characterization of a series of PAEBIs endcapped with benzimidazole, ethynyl and phenylethynyl groups prepared at stoichiometric imbalances of 7 and 10 mol% are discussed.