Solution-processable polyetherimides (PEIs) with ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) end groups were prepared by incorporating monoisocyanato 6-methylisocytosine into amine-terminated PEI oligomers. After functionalization with UPy end groups, PEI with a molecular weight as low as 8 kDa (8k-PEI-UPy) can be solution-cast to form films. Tensile tests revealed that 8k-PEI-UPy had an outstanding Young’s modulus higher than those of state-of-the-art high-molecular-weight commercial PEIs. The tensile strength, maximum elongation, and Young’s modulus of 8k-PEI-UPy were 87.2±10.8 MPa, 3.10±0.39%, and (3.20±0.14)×10<sup>3</sup> MPa, respectively. The discovery herein significantly advances the chemistry of high-temperature PEI resins. UPy-based supramolecular chemistry is an effective and general strategy to achieve outstanding mechanical properties for PEI oligomers.<br/>

Low-molecular-weight, high-mechanical-strength, and solution-processable telechelic polyetherimide end-capped with ureido-pyrimidinone

255th National Meeting (2018)

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