Neue Polyphenylensulfone : Reaktionen an festen Polymeren

5. Internationales Makromolekulares Symposium

Abstract

A method is described by which aromatic polythioethers containing sulfone groups regularly distributed along the polymer chain are oxidized in solid suspensions quantitatively to polyarylenesulfones of the genereal structure –Ar–SO₂–Ar–SO₂–Ar–SO₂–, Ar being identical or different nuclei such as benzene, naphthalene or diphenyl. Polymers of this type have heretofore not been obtained in a pure state and with high molecular weight. 

The all-para-substituted benzene analog according to the above structure, poly-1,4-phenylenesulfone, is of particular interest due to its high crystalline melting point (520 °C) and outstanding thermal and chemical stability. It is insoluble in all solvents, however, if the oxidation is conducted in sulfuric acid suspension a soluble intermediate is observed which is suitable for fiber of film formation. Solubility and color effects are discussed in the light of published work with monomer model compounds.