Synthesis and characterization of new cardo polyamides derived from 8,8-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane

Abstract

A series of novel cardo polyamides were prepared by direct polycondensation of 8,8-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6 ]decane and various aromatic dicarboxylic acids in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The polymers were produced with high yield and moderate to high inherent viscosities of 0.71-1.40 dL. g -1 . Nearly all the polymers could be readily dissolved in polar aprotic solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide as well as less polar solvents such as pyridine and γ-butyrolactone. The polymers were solution-cast from DMAc solution into transparent, flexible, and tough films which were further characterized by X-ray and mechanical analysis. Nearly all the polymers were amorphous, and the polyamide films had a tensile strength range of 97-111 MPa, an elongation at break range of 9-11%, and a tensile modulus range of 1.9-2.3 GPa. The polyamides had glass transition temperatures between 251-272°C and 10% weight loss temperatures in the range of 468-490 and 499-532°C in nitrogen and air atmosphere, respectively.