| Abstract: | Novel poly(metal phthalocyanine)imide copolymers of high thermal stability have been synthesized using metal(II) 4,4′,4″,4?-phthalocyanine tetraamine (metal = copper, cobalt, and nickel); diamines: p-phenylene diamine; 4.4′-methylene dianiline and 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene; and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Polymers with medium to high degree of polymerization can be prepared depending upon the metal phthalocyanine concentrations. Effects of temperature, order of addition, solvent type, and metal phthalocyanine concentrations were studied to ascertain the optimum conditions to obtain polymers having good thermal stability with a high degree of polymerization. These polymers had decomposition temperatures greater than 500°C both in air and in nitrogen atmospheres. Their anaerobic char yield at 800°C varied between 65–80%. These new copolymers have promising applications as heat resistant films, fibers, and varnishes. |
