Stereoregular polyamides entirely based on tartaric acid

Two new stereoregular polyamides, namely PTA‐LL and PTA‐LD, derived from (2S,3S)‐(−)‐2,3‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐butanediamine and (2R,3R)‐(+)‐ or (2S,3S)‐(−)‐2,3‐dimethoxybutanedioic acid are described. The two diastereoisomeric polymers contain two pairs of stereocenters in the main chain of the repeating unit, one in the diamine and the other in the diacid counterpart. L and D refer to the configuration of the tartaric acid unit from which they proceed. These polyamides were prepared by polycondensation in solution and were fully characterized by elemental analysis, DSC, and IR/NMR spectroscopies. Number average molecular weights around 30,000 were estimated by GPC and viscosimetry. Both compounds are soluble in water and display large optical activity. CD and ¹H‐NMR measurements in chloroform solution suggested the presence of definite secondary structures in this solvent. Solid samples were found to crystallize upon annealing and the crystal structure of both polyamides was investigated by X‐ray diffraction. PTA‐LL crystallized in an orthorhombic lattice in the space group P22₁2₁ whereas PTA‐LD seemed to adopt a P1 triclinic structure. In both cases the polymer chain appears to be in a folded conformation more contracted than in the common γ‐form of conventional nylons. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 983–993, 1999     

Preparation and properties of aromatic polyamides from 1,4-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)naphthyl and aromatic diamines

A new aromatic dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-bis (p-carboxyphenoxy)naphthyl ( 3 ), was synthesized by the reaction of p-fluorobenzonitrile with 1,4-naphthalenediol, followed by hydrolysis. Aromatic polyamides having inherent viscosities of 1.27–2.22 dL/g were prepared by the triphenyl phosphite activated polycondensation of diacid 3 with various aromatic diamines. Most of the resulting polymers showed an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents including N,N-dimethyl-acetamide (DMAc), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and m-cresol. Transparent, tough, and flexible films of these polymers could be cast from the DMAc or NMP solutions. The cast films had tensile strengths ranging from 64–104 MPa, elongations-at-break from 6 to 10%, and initial moduli from 1.52 to 2.14 GPa. These polyamides had glass transition temperatures in the range of 195 to 240°C. Almost all polymers were thermally stable up to 400°C, with 10% weight loss being recorded above 480°C in air and nitrogen atmospheres. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2273–2280, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of stereoregular AABB‐type polymannaramides

The condensation of D ‐mannaro‐1,4:6,3‐dilactone ( 2 ) with even‐numbered alkylenediamines (C₂, C₆–C₁₂) in a methanol solution and in the presence of triethylamine afforded polymannaramides 3 – 7 , which were isolated directly as white solids with various hydrophobic–hydrophilic characters. Because all the stereocenters in 2 possessed an S configuration, the random polymerization led to optically active, stereoregular polyhydroxypolyamides. The polymers were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Their number‐average molecular weights were estimated by ¹H NMR spectral integration analysis. Thermal and powder X‐ray diffraction studies revealed that compounds 3 – 7 were poorly crystalline. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1024–1030, 2001     

High α transitions of new polyamides based on diamantane

A series of new polyamides were synthesized by direct polycondensation of the 1,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)diamantane with various dicarboxylic acids. The soluble polyamides had high inherent viscosities, ranging from 0.73 to 1.21 dL/g. Polyamides derived from 5-tert-butylisophthalic acid and (±)-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid were soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and pyridine. When NMP and N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were added with 3% (w/v) LiCl, the solubilities of polyamides derived from 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid) and cis-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid were markedly enhanced. Polyamides had tensile strengths of up to 87.8 MPa, elongation to breakage values of up to 19.3%, and initial moduli of up to 2.1 GPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that the polyamides have three relaxations. Their α relaxations occurred at high temperatures, ranging from 380 to 462°C. Three of polyamides exhibited good retention of storage modulus (above 10⁸ Pa) at a temperature exceeding 410°C. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1257–1263, 1998     

Polyamides incorporating phosphine oxide groups. III. Polymerisation of bis[4-(2-aminoethyl)aminophenyl]-phenylphosphine oxide with dicarboxylic acids

The new polymerisation monomer bis[4-(2-aminoethyl)aminophenyl]-phenylphosphine oxide (p-BAPPO) was prepared in good yield by the nucleophilic substitution reaction between bis(4-fluorophenyl)phenylphosphine oxide and a large excess of 1,2-diaminoethane. Five novel polyamides, incorporating phosphine oxide groups within the polymer backbone were synthesised by the condensation reaction of p-BAPPO with a series of aromatic and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. The thermal properties of these polymers were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Glass transition temperatures in the 180–215°C range were recorded. Although we observed their thermooxidative stabilities (5% weight loss > 345°C) to be lower by 40–70°C than those previously found for wholly aromatic polyamides with phosphine oxide groups within the parent chain, char yields upon prolonged heating at 650°C were still excellent (26–38%). Also, good solubility in aprotic polar solvents was observed for all polyamides synthesised. The new polyamides clearly represent significant progress in the quest for processible fire retardant materials. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2865–2870, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of chiral polyamides derived from glycine and (S)-5-amino-4-methoxypentanoic acid

Stereoregular, enantiomerically pure, chiral polyamides of the –AB– type, containing a natural (glycine) and a synthetic [(S)-5-amino-4-methoxypentanoic acid (AMP)] component have been prepared by the active ester polycondensation method. Thus, polyamide 7 was obtained by polycondensation of the conveniently activated H₂NGly–AMPCO₂R unit ( 6 ). In this reaction, 7 appeared accompanied by a considerable amount of cyclic (Gly–AMP)₂ ( 8 ), which makes the isolation and purification of 7 difficult. The formation of cyclic byproducts could be avoided by preparing and polymerizing the oligoamide H₂NGly–AMP–AMPCO₂R ( 11 ), which has the terminal carboxyl group activated as the pentachlorophenyl ester. The resulting polyamide ( 12 ) was obtained in 85% yield and free of macrolactams, such as 8 . The new polyamides 7 and 12 were characterized by elemental analysis and infrared and ¹H- and ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Thermal studies revealed that 12 is crystalline and yields films with spherulitic texture by slow evaporation of formic acid solutions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2741–2748, 1998     

Synthesis of stereoregular polygluconamides from D-glucose and D-glucosamine

Two stereoregular polygluconamides, one ( 3 ) of polypeptide-type and the other ( 16 ) being a polycaproamide containing four stereocenters in the main chain of the repeating unit, have been prepared from D-glucosamine and D-glucose, respectively. The new polyamides were characterized by elemental analysis, and IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopies. The molecular weights for 3 and 16 were estimated as 25,000 and 67,000, respectively, on the basis of viscosimetric measurements. Both polyamides display high optical activity; they are highly hydrophilic and readily soluble in water as well as in a variety of organic solvents including chloroform. Polyamide 16 is highly crystalline and yields resistant films with spherulitic texture. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyamides based on 4,4′-(2,7-naphthalenedioxy)dibenzoic acid

4,4′-(2,7-Naphthalenedioxy)dibenzoic acid, a new aromatic dicarboxylic acid monomer, was prepared starting from 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and p-fluorobenzonitrile in three steps. Using triphenyl phosphite (TPP) and pyridine as condensing agents, a series of novel aromatic polyamides were synthesized by the direct polycondensation of the diacid monomer and aromatic diamines in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. The resulting polyamides had inherent viscosities ranging from 0.48 to 0.67 dL/g. Most of these polyamides were readily soluble in polar solvents, such as NMP and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Transparent, flexible, and tough films were cast from their DMAc solutions. They had tensile strengths of 65–70 MPa, elongations to break of 5–7%, and initial moduli of 1.4–1.6 GPa. Most of these polymers proved to be amorphous, with glass transition temperatures in the range between 143–227°C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that all the polyamides were stable up to 450°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1469–1478, 1997     

Studies on syntheses and properties of novel polyamides containing phosphatidylcholine analogous moieties by interfacial polycondensation

Polyamides (4a-b and 5a-b) were synthesized from interfacial polycondensation of novel diamine containing phosphatidylcholine analogous moiety, hexamethylene diamine with adipoyl chloride, or sebacoyl chloride in the interface of water and carbon tetrachloride at room temperature. The characterizations of synthesized diamine and polyamides were carried out with FT-NMR, or IR spectral method, elemental analysis, and melting point measurements, respectively. These polyamides obtained are insoluble in any normal solvents. From the results of X-ray diffraction analysis and POM observation, it was revealed that the polyamide 4b was prepared with high molecular weight, while polyamide 4a obtained seemed to have low molecular weight. For copolymers 5a and 5b, X-ray reflections from only adipoyl or sebacoyl chloride parts were observed as in crystalline state. In addition, thermal properties were also studied by DSC and transmitted light intensity measurements. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 3065–3074, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble aromatic polyamides derived from 1,4‐Bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)‐2, 5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene

Aromatic polyamides based on a novel bis(ether‐carboxylic acid) were synthesized by the direct phosphorylation condensation method. 1,4‐Bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)‐2,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene was combined with various diamines containing flexible linkages and side substituents to render a set of eight novel aromatic polyamides. The polymers were produced with high yields and moderate to high inherent viscosities (0.49–1.32 dL/g) that corresponded to weight‐average and number‐average molecular weights (by gel permeation chromatography) of 31,000–80,000 and 19,000–50,000, respectively. Except for a single example, the polyamides were essentially amorphous and soluble in a variety of common solvents such as cyclohexanone, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran. They showed glass‐transition temperatures of 250–295 °C (by differential scanning calorimetry) and 10% weight loss temperatures above 460 °C, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen. Polymer films, obtained by casting from N,N‐dimethylacetamide solutions, exhibited good mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 83–111 MPa and tensile moduli of 2.0–2.2 GPa. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 475–485, 2001     

Syntheses and properties of polyamides from ether diacid having the spirobichroman unit

A novel hexamethylspirobichroman (HMSBC) unit-containing dicarboxylic acid, 6,6′-bis(4-carboxyphenoxy)-4,4,4′,4′,7,7′-hexamethyl-2,2′-spirobichroman ( 3 ), was derived from nucleophilic substitution of p-fluorobenzonitrile with the phenolate ion of 6,6′-dihydroxy-4,4,4′,4′,7,7′-hexamethyl-2,2′-spirobichroman ( 1 ), followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate bis(ether nitrile). Using TPP and pyridine as condensing agents, a series of polyamides with inherent viscosities in the range of 0.82–1.14 dL/g were prepared by the direct polycondensation of dicarboxylic acid 3 with various aromatic diamines. All the obtained polymers were noncrystalline and soluble in various organic solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Except for the polymer derived from benzidine, the other polyamides could be solution cast into transparent and tough films, and their tensile strengths, elongations at break, and tensile moduli were in the range of 56–76 MPa, 4–59%, and 1.6–2.0 GPa, respectively. These polyamides had glass transition temperatures in the range of 183–200°C with 10% weight loss above 420°C. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1479–1486, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of aromatic polyamides containing S-triazine rings in the main chain

Ten new aromatic polyamides containing s-triazine rings in the main chain were synthesized by the low temperature interfacial polycondensation technique involving the reactions of each of the two s-triazine containing diacylchlorides, viz., 2,4-bis (4-chlorocarbonylphenoxy)-6-methoxy-s-triazine and 2,4-bis(3-chlorocarbonylphenoxy)-6-methoxy-s-triazine, with five aromatic diamines namely, 4,4′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-bis(3-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone, 2,2-bis[4(4-aminophenoxy) phenyl] propane, 1,4 bis (4-amino-phenoxy) benzene, and 1,3-bis (4-aminophenoxy)benzene. The resulting polyamides were characterized by viscosity measurements, IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, solubility tests, x-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry. The polyamides had inherent viscosities in the range of 0.16–1.06 dL/g in N,N-dimethylacetamide at 30°C. Most of the s-triazine containing polyamides dissolved readily at room temperature in polar solvents. Except for the polyamide PA-2, the polyamides did not lose weight below 350°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1077–1085, 1997     

Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyamides derived from 2,6-bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene and various aromatic dicarboxylic acids

2,6-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene (2,6-BAPON) was synthesized in two steps from the condensation of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene with p-chloronitrobenzene in the presence of potassium carbonate, giving 2,6-bis(4-nitrophenoxy)naphthalene, followed by hydrazine hydrate/Pd—C reduction. A series of new polyamides were synthesized by the direct polycondensation of 2,6-BAPON with various aromatic dicarboxylic acids in the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution containing dissolved metal salts such as CaCl₂ or LiCl using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.62–2.50 dL/g. Most of the polymers were soluble in aprotic dipolar solvents such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and NMP, and they could be solution cast into transparent, flexible, and tough films. The casting films had yield strengths of 84–105 MPa, tensile strengths of 68–95 MPa, elongations at break of 8–36%, and tensile moduli of 1.4–2.1 GPa. The glass transition temperatures of the polyamides were in the range 155–225°C, and their 10% weight loss temperatures were above 505°C in nitrogen and above 474°C in air. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2147–2156, 1997     

Synthesis and characterization of novel soluble triphenylamine‐containing aromatic polyamides based on N,N′‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylenediamine

A new triphenylamine‐containing aromatic diamine, N, N′‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐N, N′‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylenediamine, was prepared by the condensation of N,N′‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylenediamine with 4‐fluoronitrobenzene, followed by catalytic reduction. A series of novel aromatic polyamides with triphenylamine units were prepared from the diamine and various aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their diacid chlorides via the direct phosphorylation polycondensation or low‐temperature solution polycondensation. All the polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in many organic solvents such as N, N‐dimethylacetamide and N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. These polymers could be solution cast into transparent, tough, and flexible films with good mechanical properties. They had useful levels of thermal stability associated with relatively high glass‐transition temperatures (257–287 °C), 10% weight‐loss temperatures in excess of 550 °C, and char yields at 800 °C in nitrogen higher than 72%. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2810–2818, 2002     

Synthesis of polyamides from diols and diamines with liberation of H2

The amidation reaction based on catalytic coupling of alcohols with amines previously reported by us, using the pincer complexes 1 and 2 as catalysts, was applied to the generation of polyamides from nonactivated diols and diamines. A range of polymers was prepared, with M_n up to 26.9 kDa. Unlike the traditional syntheses of polyamides based on carboxylic acid derivatives, which require the use of toxic reagents and generate stoichiometric amounts of waste, this process generates only molecular hydrogen as byproduct. Both aromatic and aliphatic diols and diamines were used. Gel permeation chromatography measurements of the dimethylformamide‐soluble polymers and thermal studies of the polyamides were performed. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) spectra are also reported. Thermogravimetric analyses studies indicate that the aromatic polyamides (with the exception of the pyridine‐based polyamide) are more thermally stable than the aliphatic ones. This general, environmentally benign method for the synthesis of polyamides is homogeneously catalyzed under neutral conditions by dearomatized ruthenium‐pincer complexes 1 and 2 and proceeds in 1,4‐dioxane under an inert atmosphere. Conditions for polyamidation in the absence of solvent are also reported, using the pincer complex 2 as catalyst. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Synthesis and properties of Ortho-linked aromatic polyamides based on 4,4′-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy) dibenzoic acid

A novel aromatic dicarboxylic acid monomer, 4,4′-(2,3-naphthalenedioxy)-dibenzoic acid ( 3 ), was prepared by the fluorodisplacement reaction of p-fluorobenzonitrile with 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of potassium carbonate followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate dinitrile. A series of novel aromatic polyamides containing ortho-linked aromatic units in the main chain were synthesized by the direct polycondensation of diacid 3 and a variety of aromatic diamines using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents in the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution containing dissolved calcium chloride. The resulting polyamides had inherent viscosities higher than 0.74 and up to 2.10 dL/g. All of these polyamides were soluble in polar solvents, such as NMP, DMF, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and dimethyl sulfoxide. Transparent, flexible, and tough films could be cast from their DMAc or NMP solutions. The solvent-cast films had high tensile strengths and moduli. Extensions to break were relatively low, except for the polymers derived from 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane and 3,4′-oxydianiline, which had elongations of 82 and 62%, respectively. Except for the polyamide based on p-phenylenediamine, all the other polyamides were amorphous in nature. All the polymers are thermally stable to temperatures in excess of 450°C in either air or nitrogen atmosphere. The polymers exhibited glass transition temperatures ranging from 183 to 260°C and decomposition temperatures (10% weight loss) ranging from 462–523°C in air and 468–530°C in nitrogen. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 3385–3391, 1997     

Soluble and fusible polyamides and polyimides containing pyrazoline moieties and their crosslinking to heat-resistant resins

3-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-(3-aminophenyl)-2-pyrazoline as well as the 1-acetyl- or 1-benzoyl-substituted derivatives of this compound were synthesized and used for preparing a new series of polyamides and polyimides. Characterization of polymers was accomplished by inherent viscosity, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, x-ray, DTA, TMA, TGA, and isothermal gravimetric analysis. The properties of polymers were correlated with their chemical structures. They were amorphous or microcrystalline and soluble in polar aprotic solvents, CCl₃COOH, and m-cresol. The polyamides showed an excellent solubility being soluble even in o-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, and chloroform. The polymers displayed T_g at 127–163°C and softening at 150–195°C. The polyamide bearing unsubstituted pyrazoline moieties was remarkably more hydrophilic than those containing 1-acetyl- or 1-benzoyl-substituted pyrazoline segments. Upon curing, crosslinked polymers were obtained and their thermal stability was evaluated. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1353–1361, 1997     

Stereoregular polyamides derived from methylene-L-tartaric acid and aliphatic diamines

Stereoregular polyamides containing two chiral backbone carbons in the repeating unit were prepared by polycondensation of bis(pentachlorophenyl) 2,3-O-methylene-L -tartrate with 1,9 and 1,12-alcanediamines activated as N,N′-bis(trimethylsilyl) derivatives. The polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Both viscosimetry and GPC were used to estimate the molecular weights which ranged between 6000 and 44000. These polytartaramides were readily soluble in chloroform, displayed moderate optical activity in solution, and formed highly crystalline films.     

Synthesis of aromatic polyesters and polyamides by alternating copolymerizations of 1,4-dicarbonyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalene with bezoquinones and benzoquinone diimines

1,4-Dicarbonyl-1,4-dihydronaphthalene ( 1 ) was synthesized by the dehydrochlorination reaction of 1,4-dihydronaphthalene-1,4-dicarbonyl chloride with triethylamine and obtained as its very dilute solution, but it easily polymerized in the concentration as high as 0.1 mol/L to give its polymer. 1 generated in situ by the dehydrochlorination reaction of 1,4-dihydronaphthalene-1,4-dicarbonyl chloride in a deoxygenated toluene polymerized alternatingly with benzoquinones such as 2-dodecylthio-p-benzoquinone, 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-p-benzoquinone, p-benzoquinone, and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone, and with benzoquinone diimines such as N,N′-diethoxycarbonyl-p-benzoquinone diimine, N,N′-dibenzoyl-p-benzoquinone diimine, and N,N′-diphenyl-p-benzoquinone diimine to give aromatic polyesters and polyamides, respectively. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1929–1936, 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of new aromatic polyamides bearing crown ethers or their dipodal counterparts in the pendant structure. I. Benzo‐12‐crown‐4 and ortho‐bis(2‐ethoxyethoxy)benzene

Two novel isophthalic diacid‐based monomers have been synthesized by inclusion in ring position 5 of a functionalized benzoylamine moiety. The functionalization includes a 12‐crown‐4 ether group fused with the benzene subunit and a dipodand substructure, formally a disubstitution of the benzene ring, with two sequences of ethyl‐terminated ethylene oxide units, which represent the open‐chain counterpart of the alicylic crown moiety. The polycondensation of the two diacids with five aromatic diamines yielded 10 new polyamides with crown or podand pendant substructures. The polyamides had previously been chemically characterized by NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The polymers showed high glass transition temperatures of up to 349 °C, good thermal stability (T_{donset, N2} ≈ 400 °C), and improved solubility in organic solvents. The presence of acyclic or alicyclic oxyethylene sequences as crown ether or podand substructures and an additional amide side group per repeat unit made the polymers essentially amorphous and improved their water absorption ability in comparison with nonsubstituted polyamides. Water uptake values as high as 12% were observed at 65% relative humidity. All the polyamides showed a good film‐forming ability, and the mechanical properties of these films are considered to be satisfactory for experimental aromatic polyamides. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2270–2281, 2006