Synthesis and properties of polyimide/silver nanocomposite containing dibenzalacetone moiety in the main chain

A new thermally stable polyimide–silver nanocomposite containing dibenzalacetone moiety in the main chain was synthesized by a convenient ultraviolet irradiation technique. A precursor such as AgNO₃ was used as the source of the silver nanoparticles. Polyimide 6 as a source of polymer was prepared by polycondensation reaction of 2,5-bis(4-aminobenzylidene) cyclopentanone 4 with pyromellitic anhydride 5 in m-cresol solution and in the presence of iso-quinoline as a base. The resulting nanocomposite film was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), differential gravimetric analyses (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation and dispersion of silver nanoparticles in polymer matrix having average size of ～20 nm. Incorporation of inorganic metal silver nanoparticles has improved the thermal behavior of the nanocomposite film as compared to pure polyimide film. Also 2,5-bis(4-aminobenzylidene) cyclopentanone 4 was synthesized by using a two-step reaction.