Characterizations of Copoly(ester imide)s with New 2,7-Dihydroxynaphthalene Bis(trimellitate anhydride)

Abstract

2,7-Dihydroxynaphthalene bis(trimellitate anhydride) (2,7-TA) was synthesized from trimellitic anhydride chloride and 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene. Copolyimides (Co-PI) containing ester group were synthesized from 2,7-TA, p-xylylenediamine, and 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFB). The Co-PI films were obtained from poly(amic acid) by solution casting through thermal imidization on a glass plate. The thermal property, gas permeation, and optical transparency of the Co-PI films with various TFB monomer contents were investigated. These Co-PIs could be solution-cast into a flexible and tough film. The cast Co-PI films exhibited high optical transparency with a cut-off wavelength of 370 similar to 395 nm in UV-vis. absorption and a low yellow index value of 3.55 similar to 7.63. The thermal property of Co-PI films increased linearly with increasing TFB content. However, the oxygen permeation and optical transparency of the Co-PI films was found to worsen with increasing TFB content.