Poly(alkylene oxide) ionomers: 1. Copolymerization of trioxane by gas phase mixing of comonomers and initiator

Abstract

Uniform copolymers of trioxane with 1,3-dioxolane and ethyl glycidate of various comonomer compositions were prepared. A special reactor was used which allowed mixing of comonomers and initiator in the gas phase above the polymerization temperature of the mixture. Polymerization was accomplished by rapidly quenching the initiated mixture to dry ice temperature, giving polymer yields in excess of 80%. The polymers were either base treated or endcapped with propionic anhydride to obtain stable materials. The copolymers of trioxane and ethyl glycidate were treated with sodium hydroxide in aqueous dioxane at 85°C to give polyoxymethylene (POM) ionomers. The polymeric sodium salts could also be exchanged to other alkali salts of POM ionomers with various alkali chlorides while the polymers were either in suspension or in film form. Treatment of the sodium salts with acetic acid gave the free POM carboxylic acids. All polymers were characterized by their inherent viscosity, infra-red spectrum and p.m.r. spectrum.