New processable polyaromatic amides curable by Diels‐Alder cycloaddition

New processable polyaromatic amides were prepared from the acid chloride of bis‐ m ‐carboxyphenyl acetylene (V), the acid chloride of 1,4‐bis‐ m ‐carboxyphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene (VI), and several aromatic diamines. The polyamides that contained acetylene units were cured by Diels‐Alder cycloaddition reaction with 1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene, whereas the polyamides with 1,3‐butadiene units were cured with N ‐phenyl maleimide. Cured polyamides showed an increase in t g , thermal, and heat stabilities. The polyamides can be cast into films and produce good glass‐fiber laminates.