Polymerization of N‐(fluoro phenyl) maleimides

Poly(N-aryl maleimide)s of characteristic structures have been synthesized and some of their physical properties studied. The polymerization of N-(fluoro phenyl) maleimides by free-radical initiation in bulk or in solution and by anionic catalyst have been studied to compare the characteristics of polymerization by ..gamma..-ray irradiation with that by free-radical initiation. The polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, intrinsic viscosity, spectroscopy (IR and NMR), programmed thermogravimetric analysis, and x-ray diffraction. Spectra of polymers prepared by radiation and anionic polymerization were nearly identical with those of polymers prepared by free-radical polymerization initiated by azobisisobutyronitrile in bulk or in solution and by the self-initiated thermal polymerization. A variety of reaction conditions were tried, but all attempts to change the molecular structure of the polymers were unsuccessful. Rates of thermal degradation for poly(N-(fluoro phenyl) maleimide)s have been analyzed by using a multiple-heating-rate procedure. Overall activation energy, order of reaction, and frequency factor have been evaluated. 6 figures, 8 tables.