Cationic Surfactants in Interfacial Synthesis of Linear Aromatic Polyester

Abstract

The polycondensation of terephthaloyl chloride and bisphenol A was used as a model reaction for the production of linear aromatic polyesters in stirred interfacial polymerization. The evaluation of several catalytic and surfactant additives to this system was based upon yields and intrinsic viscosities of the products obtained with both low and high concentrations of cationic surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type, of an anionic surfactant, and of a non-micelle forming quaternary ammonium salt. Although yields were similar in most cases, viscosity differences were marked. The highest intrinsic viscosities, hence highest degrees of polymerization, were found for preparations where cationic surfactant in excess of the critical micelle concentration was employed. Modes of action for such surfactants are suggested. The possibilities include, but are not limited to, solubilization of the product, solubilization of either or both monomers, emulsification of the liquid phases, catalytic phase transfer of one monomer, and micellar catalysis.