Zur synthese und morphologie von 1,3,5‐trioxan‐blockcopolymeren

Abstract 1,3,5‐Trioxane and 1,3‐Dioxolane were polymerized in the melt in presence of different polyethylene glycols using BF 3 ‐etherate as catalyst. Thereby the polyethers are incorporated as blocks via a chain transfer reaction with their terminal hydroxyl groups. The addition of the polyethers drastically reduces the rate of polymerization. An investigation of the morphology of the melt‐crystallized block copolymer by visible light microscopy was carried out. It could be shown that, in contrast to homopolymers and blends, not only the normal spherulitic crystallization occurs but also spiral type spherulites are formed. The latter depends on the molar mass of the total polymer and on the amount and chain‐length of the polyether blocks.