Synthesis of Poly(phenylene-co-biphenylene sulfide) and Its Blend with Bisphenol A Polysulfone

Abstract

A series of poly(phenylene-co-biphenylene sulfide)s (PPBS) were prepared by substituting parts of phenylene units of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) with more rigid biphenylene units. A copolymer was blended with bisphenol A polysulfone (PSF), and drawn to prepare a in situ composite. Dynamic mechanical observation suggested the immiscibility of PSF/PPS blend and the partial miscibility of the PSF/PPBS blend. PPBS appeared to be a better rheology modifier and reinforcing agent than PPS, which is observed in the melt viscosity and the tensile tests. SEM micrographs of the blends show smaller and more uniform domains in PSF/PPBS blends than in PSF/PPS blends. In drawn blends PPBS appeared to form better-defined fibrils with higher aspect ratios than PPS in PSF. As a result PSF/PPBS blend showed higher level of tensile modulus and yield stress over the PSF/PPS blend.