NMR study of ester-interchange reactions during melt mixing of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) blends

The occurrence of ester-interchange reactions during PET/PBT blend processing has been confirmed by ¹³C-NMR measurements. The limitations of the method for precise quantification of the extent of reaction between high molecular weight polyester blends have also been pointed out. Titanium alkoxide has been confirmed as an efficient catalyst, and, within experimental precision, the stabilizing effect of triphenyl phosphite addition has been demonstrated. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.