Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated poly(imide–amide–sulfone)s

A series of new, fluorinated poly(imide–amide–sulfone)s has been synthesized by solution polycondensation of aromatic diamines containing sulfone groups with diacid chlorides incorporating both imide and hexafluoroisopropylidene units. These polymers are soluble in polar amidic solvents, and their solutions can be cast into colorless, thin, flexible films having good electrical insulating properties and high thermal stability. The dielectric constant value is 3.49–3.68. The decomposition temperature in air is 464–479°C, and the glass transition temperature is in the range 279–359°C. All these characteristics have been discussed and compared with those of related fluorinated poly(imide–amide)s which do not contain sulfone groups and with other imide polymers without hexafluoroisopropylidene units.