Abstract

Block copolymers containing a rigid poly(p-benzamide) and a flexible poly(propylene glycol) segment were synthesized by coupling aniline terminated poly(p-benzamide) with either poly(propylene glycol) or poly-(propylene glycol) monobutyl ether activated with terminal p-(chlorocarbonyl) benzoyl end-groups. These coupling reactions were carried out at temperatures between -22°C and 40°C, with various feed reagent ratios. To eliminate the low molecular weight fractions of homopolymers and copolymers, a solubility criterion at constant temperature was used. At 30°C it is possible separate a soluble and insoluble fraction in DMAc. The molecular weight of the soluble fractions ranged between 9 300 and 13 100 g/mol. All the copolymers were characterized by FT-TR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and viscosity.