Soluble polyarylene sulfoxides, a process for their preparation and their use

摘要

The invention relates to polyarylene sulfoxides which are soluble in polar organic solvents, a process for their preparation and their use. Soluble polyarylene sulfoxides can be prepared by homogeneous partial oxidation of polyarylene sulfides. The homogeneous partial oxidation is achieved by dispersing the polyarylene sulfide in finely divided form in a solvent stable to oxidation, slowly adding a mild oxidizing agent and terminating the oxidation as soon as the polymer chains have reached a uniform degree of oxidation. The partially oxidized polyarylene sulfoxides are suitable for the production of coatings and shaped articles, such as fibers, membranes, films and nonwovens.