| Abstract: | Novel polymers containing alternating perfluorocyclobutane and aromatic ether subunits are prepared from aryl poly(trifluorovinyl ether) monomers via the thermal 2π + 2π] dimerization of the trifluorovinyl ether functionality. A model study is described, which probes the nature of the perfluorocyclobutane rings formed during the polymerization reaction. The bifunctional monomer 4,4′-bis(trifluorovinyloxy) biphenyl and the trifunctional monomer 1,1,1-tris(4-trifluorovinyloxyphenyl)ethane are prepared and polymerized to provide thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, respectively. Characterization of the mechanical and dielectric properties of these new polymers is presented. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
