Polymeric alloys of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) with a macrocyclic polyether–polyamide

High molecular weight polyamide (PC-6) with macrocyclic polyetheral rings incorporated into the polymeric backbone was synthesized by a modified interfacial polycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride with diamino-dibenzo-18-crown-6. The high molecular weight polymer is a good film-forming material and forms homogeneous blends with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Scanning electron microscopy did not reveal any heterogeneity in such blends. The water-soluble PVP is not leached out from the blends even after a prolonged storage in water. Excellent mechanical properties of PC-6 were not adversely affected by blending it with PVP. The thermomechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry of the blends showed a single transition in lieu of those of the two components. PVP was also found to exert a stabilizing effect on the polyamide. The blends have been found to be thermally more stable than their components.