Synthesis and characterization of photosensitive polyesters by phase-transfer-catalyzed polycondensation

Abstract

Photosensitive polyesters containing photoreactive chalcone moieties in the main chain were synthesized from 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propenone and 3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1- (4-hydroxyphenyl)propenone with adipoylchloride by an interfacial polycondensation technique. Fundamental studies on the two phase polycondensation using various phase transfer catalysts (quarternary ammonium salts) were done. The synthesized polymers were characterized by intrinsic viscosity, UV,IR, 1H-NMR and C,H-analysis. These polymers were studied for their thermal stability and photochemical properties. Thermal properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The photosensitivity of the polymer was investigated by UV spectrophotometry.