Bismaleimides,bisnadimides, and polyaspartimides containing ether and ester linkages and pyridine

A series of bismaleimides (BMI) and bisnadimides (BNI) containing pyridine ring and flexible linkages were prepared and the structural characterization of the resins was carried out by elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Their curing behavior were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal stability of the cured resins were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, a series of polyaspartimides were prepared by the polyaddition of the bismalemide with various dimaines. The polymers were characterized by FT‐IR, inherent viscosity, and molecular weight measurements. All the polyimides were soluble in many organic solvents, the glass transition temperature of the polyaspartimides are in the range of 194–231°C, 10% weight loss (T₁₀) takes place in the temperature range of 379–482°C in N₂ and char yield in the range of 44.31–53.31%. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008