Next‐Generation Electrically Conductive Phthalonitrile Resins: Design, Synthesis, and Processing

ABSTRACT This work is the first to describe an electrically conductive phthalonitrile (PN) polymer, extending novel properties to this class of high‐performance polymers. This novel resin was synthesized by integrating a conductive oligoaniline backbone with phthalonitrile termini, resulting in modest electrical conductivity (10 −6 –10 −5 S cm −1 ) in both uncured (heated only to 175°C) and cured (heated to 350+°C) states when doping with ≥ 25 mol% of a Lewis acid (e.g., CuCl 2 ·2H 2 O). The oligoaniline backbone imparts exceptional curing rates while retaining the thermal robustness associated with conventional phthalonitrile resins. Thermal analyses demonstrate excellent thermo‐oxidative stability with a char yield of 76% at 1000°C and good processability of the pre‐cured resin. The synergistic combination of electrical conductivity and superior thermal stability not only expands the scope of PN materials but also positions this new phthalonitrile resin as a promising candidate for next‐generation aerospace, military, and energy storage applications where both thermal stability and efficient electron transport are critical.