Abstract: A novel trithiol, 1,3,5-tris[4-(4-mercaptophenyl sulfonyl) phenoxy] benzene (TMPSPB) was prepared via a two-step reaction. Based on this monomer, a photo-cross-linkable polyethersulfone blends system was obtained. The blends can go photo-cross-linking reaction in the presence of photo initiator. The glass transition temperatures of the copolymers increased greatly after the curing. The cured copolymers became completely insoluble in common organic solvent and exhibited outstanding thermal stability. Such work provides a new approach to prepare photo-crosslinkble poly(arylene ether ether)s without loss its high heat resistance.

Key words: Thiophenols, Polyethersulfone, UV crosslinking, thiol/ene