Synthesis and characterization of crosslinkable polyimides

A series of copolyimides were prepared from benzophenone-3,3′,4,4′-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and various aromatic diamines which contain a fluorenyl group and/or alkyl substituents in ortho position to the amine groups. The effect of the chemical composition on the glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability as well as on the dielectric constant of these polymers was studied. High Tg polymers (Tg ranging from 260 °C to 370 °C), withstanding temperatures as high as 400 °C for 10 h and having a low dielectric constant (from 2.6 to 3.1) were successfully synthesized. All these polymers were able to crosslink under UV or thermal treatments.