Patent ID: 6037445
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B01J,C08F

Abstract:
A process for functionalizing a polymer which comprises:(A) continuously introducing a liquid comprising the polymer and a gas comprising a functionalizing agent into a dispersing zone operated in larmnar flow with high intensity mixing of the liquid and the gas under functionalization conditions, wherein the mixing is conducted for a period of the dispersing zone residence time at a shear rate effective to form a stable gas-liquid dispersion in which the gas is substantially dissolved or dispersed in the liquid for functionalization, and wherein the shear rate is less than about 5 s.sup.-1 for no more than about 30% of the residence time;(B) continuously passing the gas-liquid dispersion to a blending zone operated in laminar flow with low intensity mixing under functionalization conditions, wherein the mixing is conducted at a shear rate effective to further dissolve the gas into the liquid for further functionalization; and(C) continuously recovering functionalized polymer.