Synthesis and Higher-order Structural Characterization of Polyimides Containing Chain-length-controlled Polysiloxanes

Abstract

The synthesis of polyimides (PIs) containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with controlled chain length and the formation of higher-order structures were studied. Polycondensation was carried out using diphenyl-3,3',4,4'-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and diamine oligomers having amino groups on both ends of PDMS. The obtained poly(amic acid) (PAA) and PI showed good solubility in several common polar solvents while less soluble in non-protic amide polar solvents. The obtained bulk films of PI suggested forming a microphase-separated structure with domains based on PDMS and other aromatic moieties.