Bis-ortho-diynylarene polymerization as a route to solid and hollow carbon fibers

The preparation, fabrication, and carbonization of bis-ortho-diynylarene (BODA)-derived polymers are described. BODA monomers undergo thermal step-growth polymerization to reactive and processable branched polyarylene intermediates. Welldefined intermediates with controlled conversion, molecular weight and viscosity, along with solution or melt processing allow for control in ultimate carbon structure. Fabrication followed by thermal cure and carbonization results in solid or hollow carbon fiber prototypes with interesting thermal and electrical properties. The BODA polymerization and fiber formation were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, and gel permeation chromatography. The thermal behavior and stability of fibers was measured by thermogravimetric analysis. The surface crystallinity of fibers was studied by Raman spectroscopy. The conductivity of fibers was measured by a multimeter. The surface morphology and dimensions of the fibers were examined by scanning electron microscopy.