Influence of acid catalysts on the solid-state polyamidation of dodecamethylenediammonium adipate

Abstract

Solid-state polyamidation is an alternative route for polyamide synthesis. Solid-state polyamidation of dodecamethylenediammonium adipate was studied in the presence of acid catalysts. Boric acid proved to be the most effective catalyst, followed by sulphuric acid, so that—even at high reaction rates—the reaction was maintained in the solid state throughout the process. On the other hand, phosphoric acid showed a clearly weaker action resulting eventually in a transition of the process from the solid to the melt state, in accordance with noncatalysed behaviour. In general, catalyst concentration plays a considerable role in the catalytic effectiveness obtained.