α-Methoxy Benzaldehyde Based Photopolymers as a Promising Toolbox for Architected Carbon

Abstract

Stable carbonized microspheres can readily be obtained with highly efficient char yields of close to 60% from photopolymers based on photo-induced Diels–Alder step growth polymerizations of α-methoxy benzaldehyde and bismaleimide precursors. The current study carefully elucidates the chemical decomposition pathways during the pyrolysis of the microspheres that yield excellent char yields via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The high char yield and low shrinkage of close to 33% make Diels–Alder-type photopolymers a promising system for the next generation of additively manufactured carbon (AMcarbon) precursors.