Controlled functionalization of high-performance polymers has been a challenging goal for both industry and academia. We recently reported the thermoreversible gelation of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) in dichloroacetic acid (DCA). Recent advancements have been made using this semi-crystalline gel system to impart a variety of functional pendant groups to PEEK. By taking advantage of the electronic structure of PEEK and the protic nature of DCA, we have been able to perform electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions in both the homogeneous solution state as well as the heterogenous gel state. Functionalization in the gel state preserves the crystallizability of PEEK through steric exclusion of the reagents from the crystalline regions and provides a semi-crystalline copolymer with novel properties. Using this technique for halogenation allows for fundamental insights into the effect of halogen identity and microstructure on the properties of high-performance thermoplastics, as well as provides a reactive platform for subsequent functionalization chemistries. Functionalization of this industrially important high-performance thermoplastic provides a versatile platform for subsequent chemistries to generate a suite of advanced materials.

Halogenation of PEEK with controlled microstructure for improved flame resistance and as a reactive platform for subsequent functionalization

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.