Abstract
Polyetherimides have been evaluated as non-toxic and steam-sterilizable and are therefore potentially suited for biomedical applications. To enable a broader range of potential applications, polyetherimides with lower Tg, higher elasticity at room temperature and better processability are required. Our concept was to explore, whether the incorporation of 3-methoxy-1,2-propanediol moieties in the main chain lead to a reduction of Tg and increase the elastic properties of the polymer compared to commercially available polyetherimides from 4,4′-(4,4′-isopropylidenediphenoxy)bis(phthalic anhydride) and 1,3-diaminobenzene. Two different monomers were synthesized and co-condensated with each other or using 4,4,4′-(4,4′-isopropylidenediphenoxy)bis(phthalic anhydride), respectively. The results proofed the successful synthesis and polymerization leading to polymers with molecular weights up to Mn = 6,400 g/mol. The polymers showed lowered Tg, resistance to heat up to 400 °C, tendencies to reduced contact angles and partially reduced E-moduli in comparison to the commercial polyetherimide ULTEM 1000.
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