Preparation and Properties of Imide/Pyrrone Copolymers.

Abstract : Two series of copolymers containing imidazopyrrolone (Pyrrone) and imide groups were prepared by solution polymerization. The mechanical properties of thin films of the copolymers were measured and the films showed a general increase in the tangent modulus and a decrease in elongation with increasing Pyrrone content. The copolymers were more resistant to degradation by strong acids and bases than the corresponding polyimide. The thermal stabilities of the copolymers in air improved with increasing imide content, while the thermal stabilities in a vacuum improved with increasing Pyrrone content. These copolymers represent a way to utilize the useful properties of each class of homopolymers.