Interfacial polycondensation. X. Polyphenyl esters

Abstract

AbstractThe interfacial polycondensation method has been used for the preparation of polyphenyl esters. Polyphenyl esters can be prepared easily and reproducibly in high molecular weight by mixing in a home blender an aqueous solution of the sodium salt of the bisphenol and a dispersing agent with a solution of the diacid chloride in a water immiscible organic solvent. The organic solvent should be a solvent or swelling agent for the polymer being prepared. Polyphenyl esters with inherent viscosities as high as 2.3 have been prepared by this method. This system is widely applicable to a large number of bisphenols and dibasic acid chlorides, although aromatic acid chlorides, in general, give higher molecular weight polymer than aliphatic acid chlorides. Bisphenols containing negative substituents do not readily give high molecular weight, tough polymers because of the reduced basicity of the phenoxide ion. A series of copolymers of 2,2‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane with isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl chlorides has been prepared and the physical properties, such as melting point, glass transition temperature, solubility, and inherent viscosity, have been measured. All of the polymers melt above 225°C. and have glass transition temperatures above 180°C. Polymers with inherent viscosities greater than 0.4 form tough films.