Synthesis, Spectral and Thermal Characterization of 1,1-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (BPZ)/1,1-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylcyclohexane (MBPZ) Cardo Copolyesters

A series of copolyesters containing cardo cyclohexane moiety in the main chain was synthesized from 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane (BPZ)/1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylcyclohexane (MBPZ) and bisphenol-A (BPA) with adipoyl chloride. The solubility of the copolyesters was tested in various solvents. The intrinsic viscosity of the synthesized copolyesters was determined by Oswald viscometer was found to be 0.33–0.48 g/dL. The molecular structures of the monomer and copolyesters were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral analyses. The thermal properties were studied with thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The TGA data revealed that the copolyesters were stable up to 210°C and start degrading thereafter. The solubility and thermal stability of the synthesized polymer are enhanced due to the introduction of cardo cyclohexane ring into the polymer chain backbone. The self-extinguishing property of the synthesized copolyesters was studied by the determination of limiting oxygen index (LOI) values using van Krevelen’s equation.