Preparation and properties of azopolyimides†I

A new class of aromatic and heterocyclic polyimides were synthesized from benzothiazoleamines benzidine, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ethane and 4,4′‐diamino diphenyl sulfone with 4,4′‐azodipthalic anhydride and/or pyromellitic dianhydride. The synthesis involved the reaction of the dianhydride with the respective diamine to yield an intermediate, soluble, open chain precursor polymer, the polyamic acid, which on cyclodehydration yielded the less soluble, heat resistant polyimides. All these polyimides were characterized by IR and NMR. Solubility, density, viscosity, and thermal stability of these polymers were also studied. Copyright © 1986 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.