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US3953404A
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Solid state polymerization of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate)
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1974-02-07
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Granted: 1976-04-27
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Expires: 1994-02-07
Abstract
Abstract An improved process for the solid-state polymerization of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) is disclosed. The process is based on carrying out the polymerization in an inert atmosphere which includes a minor amount of 1,4-butanediol.
Inventors
- 👤 Willem F. H. Borman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:06
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08G; C08G63/00; C08G63/02; C08G63/12; C08G63/16; C08G63/20; C08G63/78; C08G63/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for the solid-state polymerization of a high melt viscosity branched copolyester of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) that includes from 0.01 to 3 mole percent, based on the terephthalate units, of units of a branching component which contains at least three ester-forming groups, said polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than about 1.05 deciliters per gram, measured as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C., said process comprising: a. transforming a corresponding polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 deciliters per gram as measures as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C. into pellets; and b. heating the particles of solid polyester at a temperature of about 150°C. and below the melting point of said polyester in the presence of a mixture of an inert gas and a minor amount of 1,4-butanediol, which is formed by passing said inert gas through a heated zone containing said 1,4-butanediol, until the desired degree of increase in intrinsic viscosity is obtained.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for the solid-state polymerization of a high melt viscosity branched copolyester of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) that includes from 0.01 to 3 mole percent, based on the terephthalate units, of units of a branching component which contains at least three ester-forming groups, said polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than about 1.05 deciliters per gram, measured as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C., said process comprising: a. transforming a corresponding polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 deciliters per gram as measures as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C. into pellets; and b. heating the particles of solid polyester at a temperature of about 150°C. and below the melting point of said polyester in the presence of a mixture of an inert gas and a minor amount of 1,4-butanediol, which is formed by passing said inert gas through a heated zone containing said 1,4-butanediol, until the desired degree of increase in intrinsic viscosity is obtained.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as defined in claim 1 wherein heating step (b) is carried out between 150° and 210°C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as defined in claim 2 wherein heating step (b) is carried out between 180° and 210°C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as defined in claim 3 wherein heating step (b) is carried out between 190° and 210°C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the inert gas is nitrogen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the branching component is a polyol.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as defined in claim 6 wherein the branching component is trimethylolethane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as defined in claim 7 wherein said branching component is pentaerythritol.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as defined in claim 1 wherein the branching component is a tricarboxylic acid, a tetracarboxylic acid or a low alkyl ester thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as defined in claim 9 wherein said branching component is trimethyl trimesate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
155 words
A solid-state process for the preparation of a high melt viscosity branched copolyester of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) and from 0.01 to 3 mole percent, based on the terephthalate units, of units of a branching component which contains at least three ester-forming groups, said polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than about 1.05 deciliters per gram, measured as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C., said process consisting essentially of; a. transforming a corresponding polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.5 to about 1.0 deciliters per gram into pellets; and b. heating the pellets of said solid polyester in an inert atmosphere in the presence of a minor amount of 1,4-butanediol, which is formed by passing said inert gas through a heated zone containing said 1,4-butanediol, at a temperature of above 150°C. and below the melting point thereof until the desired degree of increase in intrinsic viscosity is obtained.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
155 words
A solid-state process for the preparation of a high melt viscosity branched copolyester of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) and from 0.01 to 3 mole percent, based on the terephthalate units, of units of a branching component which contains at least three ester-forming groups, said polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of greater than about 1.05 deciliters per gram, measured as a solution in a 60:40 mixture of phenol and tetrachloroethane at 30°C., said process consisting essentially of; a. transforming a corresponding polyester having an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.5 to about 1.0 deciliters per gram into pellets; and b. heating the pellets of said solid polyester in an inert atmosphere in the presence of a minor amount of 1,4-butanediol, which is formed by passing said inert gas through a heated zone containing said 1,4-butanediol, at a temperature of above 150°C. and below the melting point thereof until the desired degree of increase in intrinsic viscosity is obtained.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-04-27 | 1979-10-27 | 1980-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-04-27 | 1983-10-27 | 1984-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-04-27 | 1987-10-27 | 1988-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |