Cross-linking Reactions of Polymers

These reactions are quite numerous and have been utilized for a long time. They also include all thermosetting processes of polymers. Many are discussed in previous chapters. 

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Cross-Linking Reactions of Polymers. Bisdichloromaleimide-amine polymers contain (a) a double bond in the maleimidyl group, (b) chlorine, and (c) secondary amine group (-NH-). It may be possible to cross-link them either by the opening of the double bond (thermal polymerization) or by the nucleophilic displacement of chlorine by the secondary amine. The representative reaction scheme for such reactions is shown in Figure 6. The extent of such reactions may be evaluated by solubility measurements in dimethyIformamide. 

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