Depolymerization of condensation polymers involving a pre-molecular weight reduction step
US4620032A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1984 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C51/09
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
There is disclosed a process for reducing the reaction time in the hydrolysis of a condensation polymer wherein molten condensation polymer is intimately admixed with a depolymerizing agent which is either (i) one of the products resulting from the complete hydrolytic depolymerization of the condensation polymer; or (ii) water. The depolymerization agent is present in the mixture in an amount which is less than the weight of the condensation polymer and the materials are intimately admixed for a time sufficient that the molecular of the condensation polymer is reduced by at least 50%. The treated condensation polymer of lower molecular weight is thereafter subjected to neutral hydrolysis. In addition to decreasing the overall time required to effect complete hydrolytic depolymerization, this process additionally permits the use of a smaller hydrolysis vessel, thereby reducing the fabrication cost of the hydrolysis unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.