Functional groups for thermal crosslinking of polymeric systems

摘要

This invention is a novel combination of crosslinking groups, which grafted to the backbone of thermally stable polymers, can be thermally induced to crosslink the polymers, affording a thermoset polymer system. This invention is particularly suited for high Tg polymers where the desired temperature for crosslinking reaction (cure) is in the range of 200-450 DEG C. This invention utilizes a graft technique to attach various diarylhydroxymethyl and 9-(9-hydroxyfluorenyl) groups to poly(arylene ether) polymer backbone. Upon thermal treatment of the modified (grafted) polymer at temperatures of 200-450 DEG C, crosslinking reactions take place, resulting in a thermoset polymer with increased Tg and elastic modulus above the Tg.