Patent ID: 8124717
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), comprising polymerizing 2,6-dimethylphenol in a reaction mixture to form a product mixture comprising a solid poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), wherein the reaction mixture comprises the 2,6-dimethylphenol, a catalyst comprising copper and morpholine, a solvent for the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), and a non-solvent for the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether); wherein at least a portion of the 2,6-dimethylphenol is added to the reaction mixture during the course of the polymerization; and wherein the reaction mixture prior to initiating polymerization of the 2,6-dimethylphenol comprises 0.05 to 15 parts by weight of oligomeric poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) per 100 parts by weight of the solvent for the poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether).