| Abstract: | New poly(metal phthalocyanine) pyromellitimides of copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc were synthesized and elemental, IR, TGA, and inherent viscosity measurement studies were done to characterize these polymers. They showed exceptional thermal and thermo-oxidative stability with char yields at 800°C ranging from 75 to 87% in a nitrogen atmosphere. The ratio of the polymer decomposition temperatures in air and nitrogen (PDT) (air)/PDT (N2) varied from 0.91 to 0.97, which indicated that the onset of degradation of these polymers is greatly affected by the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere. Isothermal studies were done to evaluate the long-term thermal stability of these polymers. |
