Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute

Akira Shimizu

Akihiko Ito

Koichiro Hayashi

A multi-step process of producing polyoxymethylenes by solid state polymerization of trioxane is disclosed. Trioxane is irradiated with ionizing radiation within a temperature range in which no polymerization of trioxane takes place. The irradiated trioxane is then polymerized by raising the temperature to a value at which polymerization of trioxane takes place, said temperature value being at least 15.degree. C above the first mentioned temperature. The polymerization is effected in the presence of an amount of alkyl acetal. The polymerized product thus obtained is then again irradiated, whereupon further polymerization of the irradiated product takes place. The resulting polyoxymethylenes are snow white and exhibit excellent thermal stability. They also have high molecular weights.

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Tokyo, Japan

Akira Shimizu