Rigid‐rod polymers with polysiloxane side chains. 2. Synthesis and characterization of aromatic polybenzobisoxazoles with polysiloxane side chains and composite formation with polysiloxane matrices

Abstract

AbstractAromatic polybenzobisoxazoles, having polydimethylsiloxane side chains (SCPBOs), were prepared using terephthaloyl chloride‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane macromonomers and 3,3′‐bis(trimethylsiloxy)‐4,4′‐bis(trimethylsilylamino)biphenyl for the purpose of dispersing rigid‐rod molecules in silicone matrices for molecular reinforcement. The degree of polymerization of the side chain was varied from 7.8 to 45.4, and a small amount of (3‐butenyloxy)terephthaloyl chloride was copolymerized to give the polymers a functionality that can be linked to the matrices. For all the SCPBOs, the WAXD pattern showed only diffuse reflections, suggesting limited structural regularity, although the polymers were optically anisotropic. No melting transition was observed below the side chain decomposition temperature, 350°C. A polydimethylsiloxane/polybenzobisoxazole composite elastomer was obtained first curing the polysiloxane matrix containing the prepolymer of the SCPBO, followed by in situ thermal ring closure of the prepolymer. Some reinforcement was observed, but the presence of plasticizing effect by the unbound SCPBO was suggested at the same time. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.