Polystyrylpyridine bearing pendant maleimide groups

Abstract

Poly(styrylpyridine) (PSP) bearing pendant maleimide groups in various concentrations was synthesized. The synthesis was based on the maleamic acid (MA) derived from 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine and characterized by elemental analyses and by i.r. and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. MA was used as comonomer in various proportions (0, 10, 40, 70 and 100%) together with 2,6-dimethylpyridine to react with 1,4-benzenedicarbaldehyde in acetic anhydride. All polymers were characterized by i.r. spectroscopy and their curing behaviour was investigated by DTA. The onset temperature for curing of PSP fell with increasing concentration of maleimide groups in the resin. The thermal stabilities of cured resins were evaluated by dynamic TGA in N2 and air and by isothermal gravimetric analysis. The attachment of maleimide groups to the PSP backbone reduced the initial decomposition temperature of cured resins but increased their anaerobic char yield at 800°, when the proportion of maleimide moieties was below 40%. © 1991.