Characterization of polyphenoxy-ethylphenoxyphosphazene-bulk sealant applications

Polymer chemistry has primarily been a main chain carbon-based science, but recently the usage of inorganic polymeric materials has increased with polyphosphazene research leading the way. The credit for the increased interest in the field of phosphazene chemistry arises from the unique physical properties these materials possess. Depending upon the rigidity of the side group, the morphology of these materials is controllable. A high degree of chain mobility is exhibited by this class of polymers resulting in low glass transitions. The industrial applications of these materials are quite divergent as a result of the various morphologies and glass transitions. Possible sealant applications of these materials are apparent and have yet to be realized. These will be the focus of this thesis.

The objective of this research was to characterize polyphenoxy-ethylphenoxy-phosphazene in terms of three bulk properties to determine the possibility of favorable sealant application. Investigation of the solubility parameter through solvent ingression experiments determined the solvent resistive abilities of the material. Thermogravimetric analysis set an upper temperature limit of application by determining the thermal stability of the polymer. The study of polyphenoxy-ethylphenoxy-phospazene through dynamic mechanical analysis provided insight into the vibrational damping characteristics of the material as well as establishing a lower temperature limit of possible use. Combination of the results from these various experiments enables one to make qualitative conclusions regarding favorable sealant application.