Abstract: The present invention relates to A phenol compound according to Formula (I): wherein: R1 is selected from the group consisting of, optionally substituted, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridiyl and 4-pyridyl groups, wherein R1 is at position 2 or 3 of the phenol ring; R2 is selected from the group consisting of, optionally substituted, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridiyl, 4-pyridyl and phenyl groups, wherein R2 is at position 5 or 6 of the phenol ring; and the phenol ring is optionally substituted at one or two positions, independently selected from positions 2, 3, 5 and 6, with a halogen atom or a with an optionally substituted C6-C12 aryl group or an optionally substituted C1-C10 alkyl group. The present invention relates also to (co)polymers comprising the phenol compound according to Formula (I) and membranes and ionic resins comprising said (co)polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal processes for increasing polyareneazole inherent viscosities.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing polyareneazole polymers including contacting a molar excess of a free base in water with a terephthalic acid salt to form an aqueous mixture, adjusting the pH to precipitate a monomer complex, contacting the monomer complex with metal powder, and polymerizing the monomer complex. Polyareneazoles, filaments and yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing polyareneazole polymers that include contacting, in polyphosphoric acid, azole-forming monomers and metal powder, the metal powder added in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 0.9 weight percent, based on the total weight of the azole-forming monomers, and reacting the azole-forming monomers to form the polyareneazole polymers. Polyareneazoles, filaments and yarns are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for making a polyareneazole polymer comprising the steps of: a) contacting azole-forming monomers, metal powder, and optionally P2O5, in polyphosphoric acid to form a mixture; b) blending the mixture at a temperature of from about 50° C. to about 110° C.; c) further blending the mixture at a temperature of up to about 145° C. to form a solution comprising an oligomer; d) optionally, degassing the solution; and e) reacting the oligomer solution at a temperature of about 160° C. to about 250° C. for a time sufficient to form a polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for preparing polyareneazole polymers characterized as providing polymer solutions having an inherent viscosity of at least about 22 dl/g at 30° C. at a polymer concentration of 0.05 g/dl in methane sulfonic acid. Polyareneazoles, filaments and yarns are also disclosed.