Synthesis and properties of polyimides derived from bis(4-aminophenyl)isohexides

Several partially bio-based polyimides have been successfully synthesized by polycondensation between bis(4-aminophenyl)isohexides with various commercial dianhydrides. Flexible and free-standing films were readily obtained from their poly(amic acid) or polyimide solutions. A systematic investigation of the structure–property relationship of polyimides highlights the significant impact of the isohexides moieties on their physical and mechanical properties (glass transition temperature, inherent viscosity, thermal stability, solubility, and mechanical properties). The results revealed that these polyimides exhibited comparable thermal stability and mechanical properties to those of petrochemical-based ones.