Poly(hydroxy ether sulfonamides). A new class of epoxy-based thermoplastics

Abstract

Base‐initiated polymerizations of N,′N‐dimethyl‐1,3‐benzenedisulfonamide or other N,′N‐dialkyldisulfonamides with various arylene‐diglycidyl ethers afford a broad range of poly(hydroxy ether sulfonamides) (2). Polymers 2, which represent a new family of epoxy‐based thermoplastics, are moldable, amorphous materials characterized by moderate Tg (58–127°C) and by good barrier to oxygen, reflected by oxygen transmission rates of 0.45–2.89 cc‐mil/100 in2‐atm (O2)‐day at 234 °C and about 60% relative humidity. In addition to a discussion of how structural changes in the backbones of 2 influence their barrier properties, details of the synthesis, thermal analysis and mechanical evaluation of the polymers are described. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.