Preparation and performance of soluble N-heterocyclic poly(aryl ether ketone)s with enhanced thermal resistance

[Display omitted] •The poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing bis-phthalazinone moieties are prepared.•The solvent effects on the polymerization are evaluated by solubility parameters.•N-heterocycles with side group ensure heat resistance and solubility of PBPEK-Ps. The novel poly(aryl ether ketone)s embodying bis-phthalazinone units (PBPEK-Ps) with enhanced solubility and thermal resistance are incorporated by one-pot condensation polymerization. The impacts of solvents on the copolymerization behavior of PBPEK-Ps have been evaluated. The structure characteristics of polymers are identified through infrared absorption spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. PBPEK-Ps exhibit favorable thermo-stability and possess glass transition temperatures ranging from 256 to 305 °C. Simultaneously, PBPEK-Ps perform storage modulus above 3.46 GPa with the storage modulus preservation at 250 °C up to 58% and the tensile strength over 111 MPa, exhibiting excellent thermo-resistance and mechanical properties. Moreover, the rigid twisted units and pendant phenyl groups endow PBPEK-Ps with excellent solubility in chloroform and N-methylpyrrolidone, and a controllable contact angle in the range of 79.5° – 91.0°. And PBPEK-Ps possess favorable insulation performance.