The Action of Chain Extenders in Nylon-6, PET, and Model Compounds

The action of two complementary chain extenders is studied in model systems as well as in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and nylon–6. Chain extenders are low molecular weight compounds that can be used to increase the molecular weight of polymers in a short time. The reaction must preferably be fast enough to execute this step in an extruder. 1,3-Phenylene bis(2-oxazoline-2) (PBO) and isophthaloyl biscaprolactamate (IBC) are used in this study. Bisoxazolines react quickly with carboxylic acids. With model compounds it is shown that, under processing conditions, high conversions can be reached. However, the conversion is not complete. The high rate and the absence of volatile reactants are the most important characteristics of this reaction. Bislactamates are suitable coupling agents for hydroxy and amino functional polymers. The path of this coupling reaction depends on the type of nucleophile and on the reaction temperature. Under mild conditions the elimination of caprolactam is the main reaction. Under more severe conditions the ring opening mechanism may also be operative. The increase of the viscosity is studied with one as well as with a mixture of the two chain extenders. The effect is larger when both types of chain extenders are used simultaneously.