Process for the manufacture of ABS polymers and use thereof in preparation of molded parts

US4421895A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Adolf Echte · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Hermann Gausepohl · Mutterstadt, DE
• Karl Gerberding · Monsheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 10, 1981
• Grant date: Dec 20, 1983
• Expiry date: Dec 10, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08F287/00
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for making ABS polymer particles comprising continuous polymerization of a mixture of at least one of each of (a) an aromatic vinyl monomer, and (b) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of 90:10 to 10:90 in the presence of at least one of each of (c) a rubber-like polymer in an amount of 3 to 35 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the monomers (a) and (b), (d) a solvent, (e) a radical initiator and (f) an optional chain transfer agent. The process is carried out at temperatures between 80.degree. C. to 180.degree. C. in two or more reaction zones while the reaction mixture is stirred and while the monomers and solvents are removed in a degassing zone. The rubber-like polymer (c) has a solution viscosity of less than 80 mPa.s and a ratio of the solution viscosity of (c) to a percent of solvent expressed by 100[(d)/(a+b+c+d)] equal to or less than 2.5 mPa.s/percent of solvent.