Synthesis and properties of novel poly(p-xylylene)s with aliphatic substituents

Abstract

Poly(p-xylylene)s (PPX) with aliphatic substituents at the alpha position were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) via vapor phase pyrolysis of •-chloro-1,4-xylenes, or by base-induced dehydrohalogenation of •-chloro-1,4-xylenes (Gilch route). These PPXs are soluble under ambient conditions in organic solvents. The glass transition temperature of the tert-butyl substituted PPX is remarkably high. Good thermal stability under nitrogen was observed for the trifluoromethyl substituted PPX. A functionalized compound suitable for polymer analogous reactions is the norbornenyl substituted PPX.