Synthesis and characterization of furan based polyamides and polyureas

Thesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011.Aromatic polyamides (PAs) are widely used as high-performance polymers in technical applications due to their unique combination of outstanding thermal, optical, mechanical and chemical properties. Although PAs are mostly utilized where strength or heat resistance is of primary concern, they also find use in other important applications such as in NOMEX membranes for desalination of brackish water or seawater. PAs do however have some disadvantages such as high melting points, high glass transition temperatures (Tg) and a limited solubility in most organic solvents, which makes their processing difficult. Polyureas (PUs) are generally known for their excellent thermal stability and high chemical resistance due to the presence of thermally stable bonds of aromatic or heterocyclic ring systems along their backbone. Both polymer systems are poorly researched when it comes to the introduction of furan units into the chains. The same is valid for cases where two or more different diacids or diamines are incorporated. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the influence of furan units in the polymer chains and the change in properties if the composition of starting materials is varied further