General Electric Company

Carol B Wasserman

Thomas L Evans

John Robert Campbell

Timothy J Shea

Block polyphenylene ether-polycarbonates are prepared by blending a mixture of at least one polyphenylene ether wherein all phenolic end groups are in the free phenol form; at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer, preferably an oligomer mixture; and a catalyst for conversion of cyclic polycarbonates to linear polycarbonates; and heating said mixture to polymerization temperature. The preferred catalysts are phenoxides, salts of polycarbonate oligomers and tetraphenylborate salts. The method may be conducted in the melt or in solution, and is adaptable for employment in reactive processing operations.

Method for preparing block polyphenylene ether-polycarbonates

A phenol or bisphenol has been found effective as a chain transfer agent in the polymerization of cyclic carbonates to make hydroxyl-terminated polycarbonate oligomer of varying molecular weight.

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Hartsdale, NY, United States of America

Carol B Wasserman