Influence of 2,4,6-trimethylphenol on the yield of synthesis and properties of poly(phenylene oxide)

Abstract

The influence of 2,4,6-trimethylphenol (2,4,6-TMP) -a by-product of 2,6-dimethylphenol (2,6-DMP) preparation -on the process of poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) synthesis is presented. Synthesis of the polymer was carried out with solution and precipitation method. 2,4,6-TMP was used in the amount up to 2.2 wt % in both processes. The molecular weights (M n and M w ) and the dispersity (Ð) of the polymers obtained were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Thermal properties using (DSC, TGA), and the mass melt flow rate (MFR) were also determined. In contrast to the precipitation method, it was found that 2,4,6-TMP had a strong effect on properties of PPO obtained by solution polymerization. Addition of 2,4,6-TMP to the monomer solution caused a decrease in molecular weight of polymers. A change of Ð value and thermal properties were also noticed. An addition of 2,4,6-TMP up to 2.2 wt % to the reaction in the solution polymerization caused increase in MFR, whereas alcohol used in the precipitation polymerization of 2,6-DMP strongly determined properties of the polymer obtained.

The use of modified silica to control the morphology of polyamide 11 and poly(phenylene oxide) blends

“…Blends of bio-based PA11 and poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) are interesting as a high-performance materials with enormous environmental benefits. PPO offers high dimension and thermal stability, while PA11 exhibits strong chemical and UV resistance as well as low melt viscosity [9][10][11][12]. The aim of this study is to combine the advantages of PA11 and PPO.…”