In-situ Polymerization of a Ring Opening or Condensation Polymer in the Presence of Syndiotactic Polystyrene
Publication Date: 2002-Oct-08
Publishing Venue
The IP.com Prior Art Database
Abstract
This invention is a polymer blend prepared by the polymerization of a ring opening or condensation polymer in the presence of a syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) polymer. Such a process eliminates an extra compounding since the two components are mixed during the condensation or ring opening polymerization reactor. In addition to economic advantages, this invention would offer blends with improved properties due to superior mixing.
In-situ Polymerization of a Ring Opening or Condensation Polymer in the Presence of Syndiotactic Polystyrene
This publication describes the invention of a polymer blend prepared by the polymerization of a ring opening or condensation polymer in the presence of a syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) polymer.� Polymer blends are commonly formed by melt mixing two polymeric components in a processing device such as an extruder.� This invention eliminates that extra step since the two components are mixed during the condensation or ring opening polymerization step.� In addition to economic advantages, this invention would offer blends with improved properties due to superior mixing.� This invention is quite broad and there are many variations, including some listed below:
Syndiotactic polystyrene:� The syndiotactic polystyrene can be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, etc.� The comonomers or termonomers are typically substituted styrenes, such as p-methylstyrene.� The homopolymer SPS has a melting point of 270 deg C.� By replacing some of the styrene with p-methylstyrene, the melting point of the syndiotactic copolymer is decreased.� For example, a syndiotactic copolymer containing 7 mole % p-methylstyrene has a melting point of about 250 deg C.
Form of the syndiotactic polystyrene:� The syndiotactic polystyrene may be fed to the condensation or ring opening polymerization reactor as a solid (pellets, chips, granules, powder, etc.); as a melt; as an emulsion, suspension or dispersion; or as a solution in a solvent.� Depending on the temperature of the condensation or ring opening polymerization and melting point of the syndiotactic polystyrene polymer, the syndiotactic polystyrene polymer may remain as a solid or become melted at some stage of the reaction.
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