Poly(arylene sulfone)s containing 9,9′-spirobifluorene: synthesis and excellent optical properties

Abstract

Poly(arylene sulfone)s (PASs) containing 9,9′-spirobifluorene (SBF) skeleton in the main chain were synthesized in high yields by the oxidations of the corresponding poly(arylene thioether)s. The PASs exhibited good thermal stability (Tg 257–370 °C, Td5>400 °C under nitrogen), and showed high solubility in ordinary organic solvents, such as CHCl3, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF). All films of PASs showed higher refractive indices in the range 1.65–1.67 at 587.6 nm than those of commercially available polysulfone, whereas it hardly showed birefringence. These excellent optical and thermal properties are derived from the C2 symmetry and high aromatic component of SBF moiety. Polymer: (i) High refractive index, (ii) Low birefringence, (iii) High thermal stability, (iv) High transparency, (v) High solubility and (vi) Less coloration.