Continuous preparation of rubber-modified polymers of vinyl-aromatics

US4567232A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 13, 1984
• Grant date: Jan 28, 1986
• Expiry date: Sep 13, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08F291/02
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the continuous preparation of rubber-modified polymers of vinyl-aromatics, wherein a mixture which contains a monomeric aromatic vinyl compound and from 3 to 30% by weight, based on the monomer, of an elastomeric polymer, with or without a solvent, is polymerized, in the presence of a free radical initiator and in the presence or absence of a mercaptan as chain transfer agent, at from 80.degree. to 180.degree. C., with stirring, in a cascade of two or more isothermally operated reaction zones and of one or more additional reaction zones which can be operated isothermally or with a rising temperature profile in such a way that the residence time of the reactants in the first reaction zone is .ltoreq.35 minutes. The polymer obtained is freed from vinyl-aromatic monomer, and from any solvent, in a devolatilization zone. The product is useful for the production of injection moldings.