Two platform technologies including (1) polynapthalene networks and (2) semi-fluorinated aromatic ether polymers are presented with particular emphasis on applications for advanced composites. Polynapthalene networks are produced via the thermal cyclopolymerization of bis-<i>o</i>-diynylarene (BODA) monomers affording intermediate resins which can be melt processed and thermally cured (T<sub>d</sub> &gt; 400 °C). As a special class of enediynes, BODA monomers are prepared in three steps from commercial bis-phenols and undergo radical mediated Bergman cyclization and overall step-growth propagation to variable molecular weight reactive resin intermediates. Upon thermal processing via extrusion, infusion, coating, or micro/nano-molding and final cure, the resulting polyarylene networks are studied for applications such as thin film dielectrics, carbon fiber matrix composites, carbon-carbon composites, light emitting diodes, and photonic/electronic sensors. Semi-fluorinated aromatic polymer are prepared via the unique step-growth polymerization of fluoroalkenes. Perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymers are prepared via step-growth thermal cyclopolymerization of aryl trifluorovinyl ether (TFVE) monomers for a variety of applications desiring an optically tunable, thermally stable, and processable fluoropolymer. More recently, fluorinated aryl vinylene ether (FAVE) polymers were prepared from the condensation of functionalized bisphenols with TFVEs. These fluoropolymers are solution processable, exhibit excellent thermal stability, and possess the ability to undergo thermal crosslinking without the use of post-curatives. In addition, we have reported a new class of perfluorocycloalkene (PFCA) polymers from commercial perfluorocycloalkene monomers and bisphenols. The synthesis, processing, and characterization for these platform technologies will be presented with special emphasis on advanced composites for aerospace and other composites applications.

Polynapthalene networks and semi-fluorinated aromatic ether polymers and for advanced composites

256th National Meeting (2018)

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