Synthesis and Characterization of New Diimide Diols and Processable Poly(esterimide)s Derived Therefrom

New aromatic diimide-diol monomers were prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction of aromatic dianhydrides and 4-aminophenol/(4-aminophenyl)-2'-(4-hydroxy phenyl)propane. The monomers were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. A series of poly(esterimide)s was prepared from diimide-diols and aromatic diacid chlorides by solution polycondensation reaction in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The poly(esterimide)s were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, gel-permeation chromatography, solution viscosity and solubility behaviour. The poly(esterimide)s with flexible groups, methyl groups and 1,3-disubstituted phenyl rings in the chain were expected to disturb the symmetry, and their effects on the property were studied. Most of the poly(esterimide)s exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. The poly(esterimide)s displayed good thermal stability, and the 10% weight loss under nitrogen atmosphere ranged from 361 to 439 °C respectively.