Synthesis and characterization of aromatic copolyesters containing siloxane linkages in the polymer backbone

Abstract

AbstractA new series of aromatic copolyesters containing siloxane linkages were prepared by the melt polymerization of bisphenol A (BPA) with eugenol end‐capped siloxane (EuSi), diphenyl terephthalate (DPT), and diphenyl isophthalate (DPI) in varying ratio in the temperature range 220–290°C under reduced pressure in the presence of dibutyl tin dilaurate (DBTL) catalyst. The siloxane copolyesters prepared were characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, solution viscosity, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. The effect of incorporation of eugenol end‐capped siloxane was studied on the properties of BPA/DPI/DPT copolyesters. The glass‐transition temperature of copolyester was decreased from 184 to 70°C by incorporation of 20% of eugenol end‐capped siloxane. All copolyesters were found to be soluble in commonly used aprotic polar solvents and had film‐forming properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3222–3228, 2006