| Abstract: | The effect of a bulky substituent on properties of different homopolymers has been examined. The substituent is the t-butyl moiety attached to a benzene ring found in the repeat units of the homopolymers of polyesters, polyarylates, polyamides, and polyaramides. These polymers have been prepared by melt, solution, or interfacial techniques. The source of the t-butyl group is mainly from 5-t-butylisophthalic acid (5TBIA) and comparisons are generally made with corresponding homopolymers based on isophthalic acid. The effect of the t-butyl group is shown by comparison of the properties of these homopolymers. Thermal and mechanical (tensile and impact) properties, density, water absorption, solubility, and processability are discussed. Differences in these properties are attributed to the t-butyl group and are based on intermolecular and intramolecular interactions that include increased free volume, chain stiffening, and conformational changes. |
