A series of poly(arylene ether) copolymers made by the step (condensation) nucleophilic substitution polymerization of 4,4'-dichlorodiphenylsulfone and various mole ratios of hydroquinone to 4,4'-biphenol in the presence of potassium carbonate and an apr tic dipolar solvent were investigated. Endcapping the oligomers with phenylethynylphenol produced tough, highly solvent resistant network materials after curing at 370°C. The T's of the oligomers ranged from 170-200°C C and this value increased significantly after curing. Five copolymers were synthesized and characterized for molecular weight, T, and adhesive strength. Certain properties of these copolymers have been studied and will be compar d to those of the homopolymers. In contrast to the homopolymers, the copolymers were either totally amorphous or only slightly crystalline which enhanced processability.
September 17, 1996