Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.52, No.10, 1383-1391, 1994
Catalytic Transesterification in Polycarbonate Polycaprolactone Systems
Bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC)-poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) blends have been prepared by melt mixing in the presence of different catalysts using a Brabender plastograph and single-screw extruder at 240-260-degrees-C. Increased crystallizability [detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)] of the PC component was observed in the blends obtained in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid. Acceleration of carbonate-carbonate exchange reactions is suggested as the main reason for the crystallizability enhancement. Results of solubility tests, DSC, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy evidence ester-carbonate transesterification taking place during PC-PCL blending in the presence of tetrabutoxy titanium and dibutyltin dilaurate.
Keywords:BISPHENOL-A POLYCARBONATE;TEREPHTHALATE) TRANS-ESTERIFICATION;POLYMER BLENDS;POLY(ETHYLENE-TEREPHTHALATE);POLYESTERS;POLY(EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE);ROUTE