New polymer systems: Chain extension by dianhydrides

The results are presented for a systematic investigation on the use of anhydrides to prepare stable elastomeric materials for space use, under mild reaction conditions. The three anhydrides investigated were found to provide effective chain extension of hydroxy-terminated poly(alkylene oxides) and poly(butadienes). These were tetrahydrofuran tetracarboxylic dianhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, and benzophenone tetracarboxylic diahydride. The most effective catalyst investigated was ferric acetylacetonate, which resulted in chain extension at 333 K (60 C). One feature of these anhydride reactants is that they are difunctional as anhydrides, but tetrafunctional if conditions are selected that lead to reaction of all carboxyl groups. Therefore, chain extension can be effected and then followed by crosslinking via the residual carboxyl groups.