Abstract
A novel phosphorus-containing bismaleimide, 3,3′-bis(maleimidophenyl)-phenylphosphine oxide (BMPPPO), was synthesized from triphenylphosphine oxide. This bismaleimide exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents, such as methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, dichloromethane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, methanol, ethanol, and hot toluene. A low melting point (T m = 148 °C), a relatively low polymerization temperature (T p = 214 °C), and a wide processing window (T p - T m , = 66 °C) were also obtained for BMPPPO. This implies better processing capability. In contrast to most known phosphorus-containing polymers, the incorporation of BMPPPO into poly(bismaleimide) enhanced the polymer glass-transition temperature. Thermal stability at temperatures over 550 °C and char yields in the high-temperature region over 700 °C were also improved. As a result, the flame-retardant properties of the poly(bismaleimide)s were improved. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons.