METHOD OF REDUCING MOLECULAR WEIGHTS AND POLYDISPERSITY INDICES OF POLYMERS OF ETHYLENE OXIDE

摘要

A method for reducing the molecular weights of polymers is disclosed. The method of the invention can also be used as a method of reducing the polydispersity index of a polymer, particularly commercially available, low molecular weight grades of poly(ethylene oxide). The method comprises adding on initiator to a polymer and heating and mixing the polymer and the initiator. Optionally, a monomer such as 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or polylethylene glycol) methacrylate is added to the mixture to promote grafting and lessen cross-linking. The method produces a polymer with a reduced molecular weight and, optionally, a reduced polydispersity index. The method is particularly useful for reducing the molecular weights and polydispersity indices of polymers of ethylene oxide. The method of the invention can be used to pelletize high molecular weight grades of poly(ethylene oxide) without the addition of plasticizers.