Process For Producing Polyoxymethylene Polymers With Long-Chain Alkyl End Groups, and Polymers Made Therefrom

摘要

A polyoxymethylene polymer is disclosed that contains long-chain alkyl end groups. The polyoxymethylene polymer may be formed by using a Bis-alkylformal as a chain transfer agent during production of the polymer. In one embodiment, the Bis-alkylformal is dissolved in a monomer, such as trioxane, during production of the polymer. In one embodiment, a branching agent may also be present with one or more monomers for producing a branched polyoxymethylene polymer. In this manner, greater amounts of alkyl end groups can be incorporated into the polymer. The resulting polymer has excellent flow characteristics. The polymer may be used to form various molded articles with excellent tribological properties.

主权项

1. A process for producing a polyoxymethylene polymer comprising:
combining a monomer that forms —CH2—O— units with a transfer agent and an initiator, the transfer agent comprising a Bis-alkylformal, the Bis-alkylformal including alkyl end groups having a linear or branched carbon chain length of at least 10 carbon atoms; polymerizing the monomer while raising the temperature, the pressure, or both the temperature and pressure during polymerization an amount sufficient for the Bis-alkylformal to dissolve in the monomer, and wherein the Bis-alkylformal reacts during the polymerization such that the linear or branched alkyl end groups on the Bis-alkylformal form end groups on the polyoxymethylene polymer; and adding a deactivator to deactivate the polymerization.