The Effect of Sulfonation Level and Molecular Weight on the Tensile Properties of Polyoxadiazoles

Abstract

The tensile properties of sulfonated polyoxadiazoles were studied as a function of molecular weight and sulfonation level. All sulfonated polyoxadiazoles synthesized through a polycondensation reaction of the hydrazine sulphate salt and a dicarboxylic acid in poly(phosphoric acid) exhibit rigid-ductile behavior with high Young’s modulus (3–4 GPa) and with larger elongations at break (up to 120%). Sulfonated polyoxadiazoles with maximum reproducible tensile strength (190 6.9 MPa) could be synthesized in the frame of time of 4–5 h.