Influence of crosslink density on thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of cross-linked fluorinated poly(aryl ether)s

•A series of cross-linked fluorinated poly(aryl ether) films (C-FPAE-PEs) were prepared via a thermal cross-linking reaction of phenylethynyl groups.•The mechanical, thermal and dielectric performance of poly(aryl ether)s was improved by introducing both Fluorine and cross-linked structure into the polymer chain.•The crosslinking-property relationship of C-FPAE-PEs was investigated systematically.•A protocol of molecular design and material construction to the preparation of high performance dielectric polymers was developed.