Di(cyanate Ester) Networks Based on Alternative Fluorinated Bisphenols with Extremely Low Water Uptake

A new polycyanurate network exhibiting extremely low moisture uptake has been produced via the treatment of perfluoroyclobutane-containing Bisphenol T with cyanogen bromide and subsequent thermal cyclotrimerization. The water uptake, at 0.56 + or - 0.10% after immersion in water at 85 degrees C for 96 hours, represents some of the most promising moisture resistance observed to date in polycyanurate networks. This excellent performance derives from a near optimal value of the glass transition at 190 degrees C at full cure. Superior dielectric loss characteristics compared to commercial polycyanurate networks based on Bisphenol E were also observed. Polycyanurate networks derived from this new monomer appear particularly well-suited for applications such as radomes and spacecraft where polycyanurates are already widely recognized as providing outstanding properties. Journal article submitted to ACS Macro Letters. The original document contains color images.