Gel-free process for making functionalized anionically polymerized polymers
US6462143B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08F8/42
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to a gel-free process for making functionalized polymers. When multi-alkali metal initiators are used to make these polymers anionically, the process comprises anionically polymerizing at least one monomer with a multi-alkali metal initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent, capping the polymer by adding to the polymer a capping agent that reacts with the ends of the polymer chains such that strongly associating chain ends are formed wherein a strongly associating gel is formed, and, finally, adding a trialkyl aluminum compound to the gel. The important characteristic of the capping agent herein is that it will cap the living polymer and will add a functional group to the polymer chain end which will be strongly associating in the hydrocarbon solvent. In a second embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for making such polymers which comprises anionically polymerizing them as described and adding to the polymer a trialkyl aluminum compound before the alkali metal reacts with the capping agent-functionalized chain ends. Finally, the polymer is capped by adding the above-described capping agent. In the first embodiment, a gel is formed and then removed. I…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.