Synthesis and characterization of novel photosensitive polysulfones with photocrosslinkable side pendants

Novel photosensitive polysulfones with chalcone or cinnamate units in the side chains were successfully synthesized from a commercially available polysulfone via a two-step reaction process, chloromethylation and esterification. The chemical structures of the resulting polymers were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of photosensitive polysulfones were investigated by TGA, DSC, and a universal tensile tester. Crosslinking of photosensitive polysulfones were demonstrated by UV irradiation and monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy. Both substituted polysulfones showed excellent solubility in various polar solvents and were rendered insoluble after phtocrosslinking. The polysulfone with chalcone side units exhibits a higher photosensitivity, better thermal and mechanical properties than the cinnamate-substituted polysulfone.