| Abstract: | New polyamide–imides were synthesized from bismethylolimides and dinitriles. The bismethylolimides, N,N′-bismethylolpyromellitdiimide and N,N′-bismethylolbenzophenonete-tracarboxylic diimide, were prepared by the hydroxymethylation of the corresponding diimides with formaldehyde. The polymerization reaction was carried out in either concentrated sulfuric acid or poly(phosphoric acid), and the former was found to be superior to the latter. The polyamide–imides had inherent viscosities in the 0.08–0.41 dl/g range. Most of these polymers were soluble in m-cresol and dichloroacetic acid. The thermal stability of the polymers was examined by thermogravimetric analysis, and they were found to start to decompose at 275–350°C in air. |
