Activated carbonates: Enabling the synthesis of differentiated polymers via solution carbonation. (15th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamps, Jan Henk; Groote, Ramon; Baus, Mathilde; Vermeulen, Han; Hoeks, Theo; van der Heijden, Ruud; Sijbesma, Rint P.; Heuts, Johan P.A.
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 135(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-15
• Subjects: Solution polymerization -- Polycarbonate -- Block-copolycarbonate -- Polycarbonate ionomer; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109901
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Bis(methylsalicyl) carbonate (BMSC) was successfully employed in solution polymerization. Solution polymerization using BMSC is a versatile polymerization approach at lower temperatures. Block copolycarbonates can be synthesized via solution polymerization using BMSC. Solution polymerization using BMSC can be used for the synthesis of a polycarbonate ionomer. Abstract: Activated carbonates facilitate the preparation of polycarbonates based on monomers that are unsuitable for traditional melt polymerization at high temperatures. Here, we demonstrate the successful solution polymerization of bis(methyl salicyl)carbonate (BMSC) with a range of different diols, including bisphenol-A. It was shown that the use of BMSC in solution leads to a reduction in the (already low) amounts of by-products when compared to the use of BMSC in melt polymerization. Furthermore, the benefits of the lower temperature solution carbonation were demonstrated by the successful synthesis of segmented block copolycarbonates, without suffering from the scrambling caused by trans reactions. Finally, the use of solution polymerization for thermally unstable monomers was demonstrated by preparing a polycarbonate ionomer.