Base-initiated polymerizations of N,N’-dimethyl-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide or other N,N’-dialkyldisulfonamides with various arylene-diglycidyl ethers afford a broad range of poly(hydroxy ether sulfonamides) (2). Polymers 2, which represent a new family of epoxy-based thermoplastics, are moldable, amorphous materials characterized by moderate T-g(58-127 degrees C) and by good barrier to oxygen, reflected by oxygen transmission rates of 0.45-2.89 cc-mil/100 in(2)-atm (O-2)-day at 234 degrees C and about 60% relative humidity. In addition to a discussion of how structural changes in the backbones of 2 influence their barrier properties, details of the synthesis, thermal analysis and mechanical evaluation of the polymers are described.