Preparation and characterization of hyperbranched polyimides based on 4,4’,4’’-triaminotriphenyl-methane

Abstract

AbstractThis work focuses on the preparation and characterization of novel hyperbranched polyimides based on commercially available 4,4,’4’’- triaminotriphenylmethane and pyromellitic dianhydride or 4,4’-oxydiphthalic anhydride. The bi- and trifunctional monomers were reacted in a molar ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 to prepare polyimide precursors (hyperbranched polyamic acids) endcapped with either amino or anhydride groups. The precursors were then transformed into hyperbranched polyimides using thermal imidization. The final products were self-standing films, whose thermal behaviour was characterized by having no weight loss up to 250 ºC and by having glass transition temperatures above 200 ºC. We monitored the permeability of carbon dioxide, organic vapours and water vapour through these membranes. We also compared the properties of these materials with linear polyimides based on 4,4’-methylenedianiline combined with either pyromellitic dianhydride or 4,4’-oxydiphthalic anhydride.