Thermal degradation characteristics of polysulfones with benzoxazine end groups

Thermal degradation behaviors of phenol and benzoxazine end-capped polysulfone macromonomers (PSU-OH and PSU-P-a) and pre-cured PSU-P-a in the absence and presence of aniline and phenol based benzoxazine monomer (P-a) were investigated via pyrolysis mass spectrometry. A significant increase in thermal stability of both polysulfone and polybenzoxazine chains upon polymerization of benzoxazine end groups was determined compared to phenol-ended polysulfones and aniline based monofunctional polybenzoxazine. Thermal stability of both chain segments depends on concentration of benzoxazine monomer and the chain length of the polysulfone chain.

► Thermal degradation behaviors of thermosets were investigated by DP-MS.
► Polysulphone–polybenzoxazine networks were prepared by two different methods.
► Polymerization of end groups increased stability of polysulfone and polybenzoxazine.