A method of increasing the rigidity of PIM homo- or co-polymers including repeating units containing at least one biscatechol monomer having a fused spiro-bisindane (SBI) ring system of Formula (I), the SBI ring system including a bicyclic spiro-carbon: (I) wherein each R.sup.1 can be the same or different, each R.sup.2 can be the same or different and wherein R.sup.1 and/or R.sup.2 are selected from any one or more of H; straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated lower C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl groups, wherein the lower alkyl groups can include aromatic or non-aromatic ring structures; R.sup.3OR.sup.4, R.sup.3O(CO)R.sup.4, R.sup.3C(O)OR.sup.4, or R.sup.3OH, wherein each of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are the same or different and are selected from straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated lower C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl groups; and R.sup.5 and R represent suitable linking monomers, wherein the linking monomers can be the same or different and are preferably selected from any one or more tetrahalo aromatic monomers; and wherein the method includes the step of introducing an intra-molecular lock between C1 and C2 of the biscatechol monomer of Formula (I).

A novel polymer having high glass transition temperature and an excellent balance between heat resistance, high refractive index and mechanical properties, and a composition and molded article containing the polymer are provided. The polymer according to the invention has a first structural unit represented by at least one of formulae (1-1), (1-2) and (1-3) below and a second structural unit having either a secondary amino structure or a tertiary amino structure at two or more terminals. ##STR00001##

A novel polymer having high glass transition temperature and an excellent balance between heat resistance, high refractive index and mechanical properties, and a composition and molded article containing the polymer are provided. The polymer according to the invention has a first structural unit represented by at least one of formulae (1-1), (1-2) and (1-3) below and a second structural unit having either a secondary amino structure or a tertiary amino structure at two or more terminals.

##STR00001##

The invention describes spirobisindane polymers of intrinsic microporosity for use as separators in electrochemical cells.

The present invention provides (polymeric) compounds and a process for preparation thereof. Intended use is in field of electrochemistry. Anion-conducting properties of disclosed compounds making this material suitable for preparing anion-conducting membranes. It is object of present invention to provide an easy-to-prepare material with proper anion-conducting properties and controlled swelling. Inexpensive precursors shall be used for synthesis. This problem has been solved by providing compounds characterized by at least one unit of the formula (I) with X being a structure element comprising at least one nitrogen atom with a positive charge bonded to C.sup.1 and C.sup.2 and bonded via two bonds to one or two hydrocarbon radicals) comprising 1 to 12 carbon atoms and Z being a structure element comprising a carbon atom being bonded to C.sup.3 and C.sup.4 and at least one aromatic 6-ring directly bonded to one of the oxygen atoms, wherein said aromatic 6-ring is substituted in position 3 and 5 with the same or different alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

The present disclosure is directed to microporous ladder polymers containing amine-functionalized monomer segments, amidoxime-functionalized monomer segments, or a combination thereof. Monomer compounds for preparation of the polymers are also described, as well as membranes and electrochemical cells containing the polymers. ##STR00001## ##STR00002##

Provided are an anion exchange resin being capable of producing an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a binder for forming an electrode catalyst layer and a fuel cell electrode catalyst layer, which have an improved physical property (anion conductivity); a method for producing thereof; an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a binder for forming an electrode catalyst layer and a fuel cell electrode catalyst layer produced from the anion exchange resin; and a fuel cell having the electrolyte membrane or the electrode catalyst layer.

For example, the anion exchange resin is obtained by reacting a hydrophobic monomer with an aminoalkyl group-containing monomer, in which the hydrophobic monomer is composed of one aromatic ring or a plurality of aromatic rings to which two halogen atoms are bonded, and the aminoalkyl group-containing monomer is composed of one aromatic ring or a plurality of aromatic rings to which two halogen atoms are bonded and an aminoalkyl group is introduced; and by quaternizing the amino group. In the anion exchange resin, a divalent hydrophobic group formed by the residue of the hydrophobic monomer, and a divalent hydrophilic group formed by the residue of the quaternized aminoalkyl group-containing monomer are bonded via direct bond.

The present disclosure provides polymers comprising at least one repeat unit represented by any one of structural formulas (IA)-(IE) disclosed herein, for example: ##STR00001##
Values for the variables are as disclosed herein. The polymers provided can be employed as ion conductors, for example in fuel cells, and have improved thermal characteristics.

Described herein are poly(aryl ether) (PAE) adhesive compositions including at least one PAE chelating agent. The PAE chelating agent is a PAE polymer. In some embodiments, the PAE adhesive composition can optionally include one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) polymers distinct from the PAE chelating agent. The PAE adhesive composition can be incorporated into polymer-metal junctions to improve the strength thereof. In some such embodiments, the adhesive composition can be disposed between a portion of the plastic component and a portion of the metal component of the polymer-metal junction. In some embodiments, the PAE adhesive compositions can be used in conjunction with one or more adhesion promoters distinct from the PAE adhesive composition. In some embodiments, polymer-metal junctions including the PAE chelating agent can be desirably incorporated in mobile electronic device components.

The present invention provides compounds, especially polymeric compounds, having at least one imidazole and/or imidazolium structural unit, a process for preparation thereof and for the use thereof.