摘要 |
The embodiments of the present disclosure present systems and methods for the reversible solubilization of (aryl ether ketones) (PAEKs). A thioacetalization process is employed to modify the PAEKs into poly (aryl ether thioacetals) which, unlike PAEKs, are substantially soluble in common solvents. This modification allowing selected analysis techniques to be more easily performed on PAEKs1 such as gel permeation chromatography. The thioacetalization may be reversed through a deprotection reaction to recover the original PAEK without substantial degradation, allowing for non-destructive characterization of the PAEK. Advantageously, the thioacetalization process is generally applicable to a broad range of PAEKs, unlike presently known methods of solubilizing PAEKs. Solubilization of PAEKs further expands the utility of the PAEKs, opening up additional routes to chemical modification of PAEKs, as well as allowing for the possibility of processing PAEKs from solution. |