Preparation of hollow poly(imino ether ketone) microspheres by microliquid technique

1, 4‐bis (4‐amiophenoxy) benzene and 1, 4‐Bis (4‐bromobenzoyl) benzene as monomers, poly(imino ether ketone) (PIEK) was synthesized via palladium‐catalyzed aryl amination reaction. Based on the good chemical and physical properties, big diameter (0.6–2 mm) hollow microspheres of PIEK, used for Inertial Confinement Fusion research, were prepared by using the microliquid technique and double‐layer latex technique. A new double T‐channel droplet generator was designed and developed for fabrication of controlled‐size PIEK hollow microspheres continuously. Study on manipulative condition of diameter and thickness of microspheres was done, and density matching impacting on the quality of shells was discussed. The structures of the PIEK hollow microspheres were characterized, and they possessed equal wall thickness and good spherical symmetry. The properties of the microspheres were detected, and the results showed that they showed good stability under cold environment and high temperature. Additionally, the PIEK hollow microspheres exhibited good mechanical and anti‐irradiation properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012