A novel direct method for preparation of aromatic polyimides via microwave-assisted polycondensation of aromatic dianhydrides and diisocyanates

Possibility of imide structure formation under microwave irradiation of molecules containing anhydride and isocyanate functional groups was investigated. The microwave-assisted polycondensation of aromatic diisocyanates and dianhydrides for preparation of polyimides was studied. The effect of microwave irradiation time and power, solvent nature, solid content of monomers, effect of catalyst, effect of polymerization reactor material and possibility of pressure development during polymerization, on the inherent viscosity of prepared polyimides were discussed. Experimental results showed that polymers obtained via this method had superior inherent viscosity and yield in comparison to the polymers obtained via conventional solution method.