Patent ID: 6103863
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
A process for producing a polyamide from an .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile and an .alpha.,.omega.-diamine comprising the steps of:(a) contacting an .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile with water and an effective amount of catalyst in a reactor, in the absence of the .alpha.,.omega.-diamine, at a temperature and a pressure to cause hydrolysis of the .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile, and for a time sufficient to hydrolyze the .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile to an overall conversion of at least 95% to produce a hydrolysate; wherein water is added during said hydrolysis with simultaneous venting of the reactor to remove ammonia and water vapor;(b) adding an .alpha.,.omega.-diamine to said hydrolysate produced in step (a);(c) heating the hydrolysate and diamine mixture in the presence of water for a time sufficient to polymerize; and then(d) recovering polyamide characterized by a triamine content of less than 1,000 ppm.