Thermal properties of wholly aromatic polyamides

Various wholly aromatic polyamides based on m-and p-phenylene diamines and isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl chloride have been synthesized and their thermal properties and oxygen index values have been studied. The effect of different substituents on the aromatic ring of the diamine have been explored by comparing their differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) behavior, their relative char yields at 700°C, and their oxygen indices. The ? Cl, ? NO₂, and ? OH substituted polyamides have been found to produce the highest char yields. The high char yields are probably associated with crosslinking occurring at high temperatures. Attempts at correlating char yield with oxygen index indicated enhancement for the chlorosubstituted aramids.