Aromatic polyamides. IV. A novel synthesis of sulfonated poly(para-phenyleneterephthalamide): Polymerization of terephthalic acid and para-phenylenediamine in sulfur trioxide

A novel polyamide condensation reaction of aromatic diamines (usually as strong inorganic acid salts) and aromatic diacids in SO₃ has been discovered. para-Phenylenediamine was polymerized with terephthalic acid in SO₃ at 20–47% polymer concentration to form highly anisotropic (liquid crystalline) sulfonated poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) (SPT) solutions (dopes) with inherent viscosities as high as 1.6. Sulfonation of the aromatic diamine ring was a major side reaction. The effects of reaction variables such as temperature, time, monomer concentration, stoichiometry, and solvent acidity on molecular weight were studied. The dopes were spun to fiber, but tensile properties were limited by coagulation problems associated with hydrophilicity of the highly sulfonated polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis of SPT at 20°C/min showed weight loss only above 450°C.