Synthesis and properties of polyimides derived from diamine monomer containing bi-benzimidazole unit

A new aromatic heterocyclic diamine monomer containing bi-benzimidazole unit, 2,2-bis(4′-aminophenyl)-5,5-bi-1H-benzimidazole, was synthesized from 2,2-bis(4′-nitrophenyl)-5,5-bi-1H-benzimidazole (BNPBBI) prepared via the reaction of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetramine and p-nitrobenzaldehyde with a high yield. Their compositions and chemical structures containing polybenzimidazole backbone were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR and elemental analysis. A series of aromatic polyimides containing the heterocyclic moiety in the main chain were prepared by the reaction of BAPBBI with various aromatic dianhydrides of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride or pyromellitic dianhydride. The polymers possess a high glass transition temperature of >415 °C and a good thermal stability up to 566 °C with a 5 % weight loss. The combination of polybenzimidazole and polyimide via introducing BAPBBI into the main chains provides the rigid structure, and macromolecular interactions are thus enhanced, resulting in the outstanding mechanical properties. These polyimides exhibit the strong tensile strength of 201 to 327 MPa, and the ultrahigh tensile moduli of 10.7 to 15.5 GPa without post stretching.