Synthesis and Characterization of [60]Fullerene-Glycidyl Azide Polymer and Its Thermal Decomposition

A new functionalized [60]fullerene-glycidyl azide polymer (C60-GAP) was synthesized for the first time using a modified Bingel reaction of [60]fullerene (C60) and bromomalonic acid glycidyl azide polymer ester (BM-GAP). The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analyses. Results confirmed the successful preparation of C60-GAP. Moreover, the thermal decomposition of C60-GAP was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared spectroscopy (TGA-IR), and in situ FTIR. C60-GAP decomposition showed a three-step thermal process. The first step was due to the reaction of the azide group and fullerene at approximately 150 °C. The second step was ascribed to the remainder decomposition of the GAP main chain and N-heterocyclic at approximately 240 °C. The final step was attributed to the burning decomposition of amorphous carbon and carbon cage at around 600 °C.