Cyclic Oligomer Ring-Opening Copolymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymers face challenges in controlling copolymerization ratios and polymer length due to the need for different reaction conditions for polyimide and polyethersulfone resins, limiting the ability to form copolymers with desired compositions and lengths.
Innovation Solution
The method involves ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ether sulfone and imide or amide oligomers, allowing for controlled copolymerization ratios and avoiding reaction byproducts, using specific cyclic oligomers and a catalyst like alkali metal fluoride to form high-molecular-weight copolymers with controlled ether sulfone and imide or amide blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct condensation polymerization is used to prepare poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymers, then the polymerization process can be simplified, but the copolymerization ratio and polymer length cannot be controlled due to different reaction conditions required for polyimide and polyethersulfone resins
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the copolymerization process into two separate condensation reactions: one for forming polyimide segments from diamine and acid dianhydride, and another for forming polyethersulfone segments from dihalogen and diol compounds. These segmented processes are then combined through a coupling reaction, allowing independent control of each polymer segment's formation while achieving copolymerization ratio control in the final copolymer structure.
2Productivity
If existing condensation methods are used, then the polymerization can proceed, but the polymer length is limited by the diamine, dicarboxylic acid or diacyl chloride compound used as monomer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary condensation reactions to form pre-polymers with controlled molecular weights and structures before the final coupling step. By pre-forming polyimide and polyethersulfone segments with desired lengths and characteristics, the final copolymer achieves greater length control and higher molecular weights than direct one-step condensation would allow.
3Reliability
If different reaction conditions are required for polyimide and polyethersulfone resin condensation, then each resin can be optimized independently, but copolymer formation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic, multi-stage polymerization approach where reaction conditions are optimized for each specific condensation step (polyimide formation, polyethersulfone formation) independently, then transitions to a coupling stage under different conditions. This dynamic process adaptation allows each resin component to be optimized for its specific chemistry while still achieving copolymer formation through the final coupling reaction between the pre-formed segments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the production of high-molecular-weight poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymers with controlled copolymerization ratios and compositions, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by allowing for one-pot processes under mild conditions without forming linear polymers.
Implementation Method 1
ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ether sulfone and imide or amide oligomers, allowing for controlled copolymerization ratios and avoiding reaction byproducts, using specific cyclic oligomers and a catalyst like alkali metal fluoride
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for preparing a poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymer using cyclic oligomers, and more particularly, to a method for preparing a poly(ethersulfonimide or ethersulfonamide) copolymer by preparing a cyclic ether sulfone oligomer and a cyclic imide or amide oligomer and subjecting the cyclic ether sulfone oligomer and the cyclic imide or amide oligomer to ring-opening copolymerization in the presence of an alkali metal fluoride catalyst.