Synthesis and Characterization of New Poly(ether sulfones) from 4,4'-(arylpyridine-2,6-diyl)diphenol and Bis(fluorophenyl)sulfone

In  this  research,  a  series  of  new  poly(ether  sulfone)  derivatives  were  prepared  by the direct condensation of 4,4'-(arylpyridine-2,6-diyl)diphenols with bis(fluorophenyl)sulfone in the presence of K2CO3 in DMSO/toluene at 180°C. The synthetic polymers show good solubility in polar aprotic solvents,  such  as  DMSO,  NMP,  DMF,  as  well  as  in  THF.  The  resulting  gel  permeation chromatography  (GPC)  analysis  of poly (ether sulfones) indicates  moderate  molecular  weights (Mw) in the range of 1625-4185 g/mol. Using differential scanning calorimetry, the glass transition temperatures  of  the  poly (ether sulfones) were  determined  to  be within  the  range of 157–181°C. Thermogravimetric analysis data for these polymers showed the 10% weight loss temperatures to be within the range of 177–377°C. The char yields of the polymers at 600°C ranged from about 43–62%. This method provides a simple polymerization process for the convenient preparation of poly(ether sulfones).