Novel organosoluble and colorless poly(ether imide)s based on 3,3-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]phthalide dianhydride and aromatic bis(ether amine)s bearing pendent trifluoromethyl groups

A novel series of colorless and highly organosoluble poly(ether imide)s were prepared from 3,3-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]phthalide dianhydride with various fluorinated aromatic bis(ether amine)s via a conventional two-stage process that included ring-opening polyaddition to form the poly(amic acid)s followed by cyclodehydration to produce the polymer films. The poly(ether imide)s showed excellent solubility, with most of them dissoluble at a concentration of 10 wt % in amide polar solvents, in ether-type solvents, and even in chlorinated solvents. Their films had a cutoff wavelength between 358 and 373 nm, and the yellowness index ranged from 3.1 to 9.5. The glass-transition temperatures of the poly(ether imide) series were recorded between 237 and 297 degrees C, the decomposition temperatures at 10% weight loss were all above 494 degrees C, and the residue was more than 54% at 800 degrees C in nitrogen. These films showed high tensile strength and also were characterized by higher solubility, lighter color, and lower dielectric constants and moisture absorption than an analogous nonfluorinated polyimide series. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.