BLOCK COPOLYETHERESTERS .3. PREPARATION OF BLOCK COPOLYETHERESTERS BY A TEREPHTHALIC ACID PROCESS IN THE PRESENCE OF SALTS

Abstract

The block copolyetheresters with hard segments of poly(butylene terephthalate) and soft segments of poly(tetramethylene ether) were prepared by a terephthalic acid (TPA) process in the presence of some salts. The preparations of a block copolyetherester under various conditions were first studied in a 1 L stainless steel reactor to find the best method. Then, the preparations of four block copolyetheresters were run in a pilot plant comprising a 200 L polyesterification reactor and a 200 L polymerization reactor under the suitable condition. The presence of some salts reduced the formation of tetrahydrofuran (THF), and also reduced the total reaction time in the pilot plant. The thermal properties and various mechanical properties of the block copolyetheresters prepared by the pilot plant were investigated to evaluate the feasibility of this method.