| Abstract: | Several thermoplastic and thermosetting polymeric materials containing the phenyl phosphine oxide group were prepared and characterized by physical methods. High molecular weight poly(arylene ether)s and polyimides containing the hydrolytically stable bulky phosphine oxide unit were synthesized and found to be soluble materials with moderately high glass transition temperatures. The phenyl phosphine oxide moiety was further incorporated into epoxy and bismaleimide type crosslinked systems. Phosphorus promoted char formation in air was displayed by both the linear and crosslinked macromolecules, leading to improved self-extinguishability relative to the non-phosphorus containing analogous polymeric systems. |
