Synthesis and characterization of novel photosensitive polysulfones with photocrosslinkable side pendants

Novel photosensitive polysulfones with chalcone or cinnamate units in the side chains were successfully synthesized from a commercially available polysulfone via a two-step reaction process, chloromethylation and esterification. The chemical structures of the resulting polymers were characterized by H-1 NMR spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of photosensitive polysulfones were investigated by TGA, DSC, and a universal tensile tester. Crosslinking of photosensitive polysulfones were demonstrated by UV irradiation and monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. Both substituted polysulfones showed excellent solubility in various polar solvents and were rendered insoluble after phtocross-linking. The polysulfone with chalcone side units exhibits a higher photosensitivity, better thermal and mechanical properties than the cinnamate-substituted polysulfone. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.