Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable poly-N, N′-arylenebismaleimide

Three N,N′-arylenebismaleimides, viz. N,N′-m-phenylenebismaleimide, N,N′-p-phenylenebismaleimide and N,N′-benzidinebismaleimide, were prepared and polymerized in toluene using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator. The polymers obtained were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis and IR spectra. The polymers are insoluble in common organic solvents. The thermal behaviour of these polymers was studied by DTA and TG methods and the kinetic parameters order of reaction and activation energy were estimated.