The Synthesis and Properties of Poly(Aromatic Ketones)

Abstract More than two decades ago, Bonner reported the first preparation of poly (aromatic ketones) (PAK) by aluminum chloride-catalyzed acylation of diphenyl ether with aromatic diacid chlorides [1]. These were low molecular weight materials because of solubility limitations. In the intervening years, significant progress has been made in synthetic methodology, and now a large variety of structures is available for study. Unlike poly-Caryl sulfones) which are typically amorphous, most PAK's exhibit partial crystallinity, usually with melting points above 300°C. Like the sulfones, the ketone polymers possess high thermal stability and exhibit excellent electrical and mechanical properties. The development of this interesting polymer family is the subject of this review.