A series of Diels–Alder polyarylene polymers were synthesized via microwave-assisted step-growth polymerization. The reaction of bistetracyclone with a variety of diethynylbenzene monomers using a variety of solvents and concentrations was optimized over time. The polyarylene polymers were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, DMA, and GPC. Polar solvents (e.g., tetrahydrofuran and nitrobenzene) worked well for microwave-assisted polymerization. Molecular weights were monitored over time affording well over 100 kg/mol. Thermal analysis showed the onset of decomposition (Td = 550 °C) in the series of polymers under nitrogen and air atmosphere. The char yields ranged from 60 to 80% at 1000 °C. Applications will be discussed including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, gas separation membranes, coatings, semi-fluorinated optics, polyimides, oligomeric resins, and composite materials.

Microwave-assisted polyarylene synthesis and characterization for advanced materials

2019 Fall National Meeting

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