Kinetic investigation of the synthesis of a polyethersulphone

Abstract This paper summarises results obtained from a kinetic investigation of the processes occuring during the synthesis of polyethersulphones by reactions such as: magnified image The factors determining the variations in functional group reactivities due to ‘bridge’ effects are described with reference to the reactivities of these groups in model systems, and the detailed kinetics shown by the polycondensations are explained. Evidence is presented to show that ether interchange can occur in a manner analogous to ester interchange in a polyesterification, and that in polycondensations where potassium fluoride (as opposed to the chloride or bromide) is eliminated chain extension is reversible and the use of high reactant concentrations is required to obtain polymers of high molecular weight.