Synthesis and Properties of Step-Growth Polyamide
Aerogels Cross-linked with Triacid Chlorides
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Abstract
We report the first synthesis of step-growth aromatic polyamide
(PA) aerogels made using amine end-capped polyamide oligomers cross-linked
with 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (BTC). Isophthaloyl chloride
(IPC) or terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) were combined with <i>m</i>-phenylenediamine (mPDA) in <i>N</i>-methylpyrrolidinone
(NMP) to give amine-capped polyamide oligomers formulated with up
to 40 repeat units. Addition of the cross-linker, BTC, typically induces
gelation in under 5 min. Solvent exchange of the resulting gels into
ethanol followed by supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> drying gives colorless
aerogels with densities ranging from 0.06 to 0.33 g/cm<sup>3</sup>, compressive moduli between 5 and 312 MPa, and surface areas as
high as 385 m<sup>2</sup>/g. Dielectric properties were also measured
in the X-band frequency range. It was found that relative dielectric
constant decreased with density as seen with other aerogels with the
lowest relative dielectric constant being 1.15 for aerogels with densities
of 0.06 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. Because of their superior mechanical properties,
these aerogels can be utilized in a number of aerospace related applications,
such as insulation for rovers, habitats, deployable structures, and
extravehicular activity suits, as well as low dielectric substrates
for antennas and other electronics. Because of potentially lower cost
relative to polyimide and other polymer aerogels, they also have potential
for use in more terrestrial applications as well, such as insulation
for refrigeration, building and construction, and protective clothing