Preparation of polyarylene sulphide in presence of amino carboxylic acid

This invention relates to optionally branched polyarylene sulphides and a process for the production thereof in a polar solvent, from 0.2 to 100 mole %, based on the aromatic dihalogen compounds, of an amino acid being added to the reaction mixture.

This invention relates to optionally branched polyarylene sulphides and a 
process for the production thereof from alkali metal sulphides and 
aromatic halogen compounds in a polar solvent, from 0.2 to 100 mole %, 
based on the aromatic dihalogen compounds, of an amino acid being added to 
the reaction mixture. 
Polyarylene sulphides and the production thereof are known (c.f., for 
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,513,188; 3,117,620; 3,354,129; 3,524,835; 
3,790,536, 3,839,301; 4,048,259, 4,038,260; 4,038,261; 4,038,262; 
4,056,515; 4,060,520; 4,064,114; 4,282,347 and 4,116,947; DE-AS Nos. 
2,453,485 and 2,453,749 and DE-OS Nos. 2,623,362; 2,623,333; 2,930,797; 
2,930,710; 3,019,732; 3,030,488, 3,190,538. 
A number of these publications mention the addition of inorganic or organic 
salts to the reaction mixture to reduce the melt flow or rather to 
increase the melt viscosity of the polyphenylene sulphides obtained. It is 
only if the melt viscosity is high enough that polyphenylene sulphides may 
be thermoplastically processed, for example into injection mouldings, 
films and fibres. Unless the above-mentioned salts are added, the 
polyphenylene sulphides obtained may only acquire the necessary low melt 
flow by separate and additional post-condensation or curing. 
The salts used in the above-mentioned publications include, for example, 
alkali metal carboxylates (DE-AS No. 2,453,749), lithium halides or alkali 
metal carboxylates (DE-OS No. 2,623,362), lithium chloride or lithium 
carboxylate (DE-OS No. 2,623,363), alkali metal carbonates in combination 
with alkali metal carboxylates (U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,259), lithium acetate 
(DE-OS No. 2,623,333), trialkali metal phosphates (DE-OS No. 2,930,710), 
trialkali metal phosphonates (DE-OS No. 2,930,797), alkali metal fluorides 
(DE-OS No. 3,019,732), alkali metal sulphonates (U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,260), 
lithium carbonate and lithium borate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,518). 
In addition, it is known from DE-OS No. 3,120,538 that polyarylene 
sulphides having high melt viscosities may be obtained by addition of 
N,N-dialkyl carboxylic acid amides to the reaction mixture. 
The use of polar solvents for the production of polyarylene sulphides is 
also described therein. 
It has now been found that, in the presence of an amino acid, preferably an 
aliphatic amino acid, the reaction in a polar solvent, preferably in an 
N-alkyl lactam, leads to polyarylene sulphides which may be 
thermoplastically processed directly, i.e. without a need for separate 
curing. 
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production 
of optionally branched polyarylene sulphides from: 
(a) from 50 to 100 mole % of aromatic dihalogen compounds corresponding to 
the following general formula: 
##STR1## 
and from 0 to 50 mole % of aromatic dihalogen compounds corresponding to 
the following general formula: 
##STR2## 
wherein 
X represents halogen, such as chlorine or bromine, atoms in the meta- or 
para-position to one another; and 
R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, represents hydrogen, C.sub.1 
-C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl, 
C.sub.7 -C.sub.10 alkylaryl, C.sub.7 -C.sub.14 arylalkyl, in addition to 
which two radicals R.sup.1 in the the orthoposition to one another may be 
attached to form an aromatic or heterocyclic ring containing up to 3 
heteroatoms, such as N, O and S, and one of the radicals R.sup.1 is always 
different from hydrogen; and from 0 to 5 mole %, preferably from 0.1 to 
2.5 mole %, based on the sum of the aromatic dihalogen compounds (I) and 
(II), of an aromatic trihalogen or tetrahalogen compound corresponding to 
the following general formula: 
EQU ArX.sub.n (III) 
wherein 
Ar represents an aromatic C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 radical or a heterocyclic 
radical containing from 5 to 14 ring atoms, up to 3 ring carbon atoms 
being replaceable by heteroatoms, such as N, O and S; 
X represents halogen, such as chlorine or bromine; and 
n represents the number 3 or 4; and 
(c) alkali metal sulphides, preferably sodium or potassium sulphide, or 
mixtures thereof, preferably in the form of hydrates or aqueous mixtures, 
optionally together with small quantities of alkali metal hydroxides, such 
as sodium and potassium hydroxide, the molar ratio of (a+b):c being from 
0.75:1 to 1.25:1; 
(d) optionally in the presence of known catalysts, such as alkali metal 
carboxylates, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal phosphonates, alkali 
metal fluorides, alkali metal alkyl sulphonates or N,N-dialkyl carboxylic 
acid amides; 
characterized in that from 0.2 to 50 mole %, preferably from 0.2 to 25 mole 
%, based on the moles of aromatic dihalogen compound, of an amino acid is 
added to the reaction mixture. 
It is known that the addition of aromatic polyhalogen compounds, 
particularly aromatic trihalogen compounds, as branching agents to the 
reaction mixture increases the melt viscosity of the polyarylene 
sulphides. 
Using the process according to the present invention, it is possible to 
obtain high melt viscosities, even without the use of aromatic polyhalogen 
compounds. 
The reaction time may be as long as 24 hours, but is preferably from 2 to 
18 hours. The reaction temperatures are from 150.degree. to 280.degree. C. 
The reaction may be carried out in various ways: 
The alkali metal sulphides are preferably used in the form of hydrates and 
aqueous mixtures or aqueous solutions. Dehydration may be partial, but is 
preferably complete. The water present in the reaction mixture is removed 
therefrom by distillation. Removal of the water by distillation may be 
carried out directly or with the aid of azeotrope-forming agents, the 
aromatic dihalogen compounds preferably serving as azeotrope-forming 
agents. For dehydration, all the reactants may be mixed and the mixture as 
a whole subjected to dehydration. 
The reactants are preferably combined continuously with amino acids useable 
in accordance with the present invention in the pressure of the polar 
solvent, accompanied by removal of the water. Where this procedure is 
adopted, the reaction may be controlled once it has started by the 
metering rates. Prolonged residence times of the water may thus be 
avoided. By comparison, for example, with the process according to DE-OS 
No. 3,243,189, where the water is also removed from the reaction, higher 
polyarylene sulphides of greater impact strength are obtained by the 
process according to the present invention, showing the additional 
advantage that they evolve fewer acidic gases on melting and are thus less 
corrosive, for example to processing machines. 
If dehydration is complete, the reaction may be carried out in the absence 
of pressure or under a pressure of up to about 3 bar. High pressures of up 
to 50 bar may be applied to obtain higher reaction temperatures above the 
boiling point of the solvent or of the mixture of solvent and aromatic 
dihalogen and polyhalogen compounds. 
The reaction mixture may be worked-up and the polyarylene sulphides 
isolated by known methods. 
The polyarylene sulphide may be separated from the reaction solution by 
known methods, for example by filtration or by centrifugation, either 
directly or, for example, after the addition of water and/or dilute acids 
or organic solvents with little dissolving effect on polyarylene 
sulphides. Separation of the polyarylene sulphide is generally followed by 
washing with water. Washing or extraction with other washing liquids, 
which may even be carried out in addition to or after washing with water, 
is also possible. 
The polyarylene sulphide may also be recovered, for example, by distilling 
off the solvent and washing as described above. 
The alkali metal sulphides may also be obtained, for example, from H.sub.2 
S and the alkali metal hydroxides or from the hydrogen sulphides and 
alkali metal hydroxides. 
Depending on the amount of alkali metal hydrogen sulphide in the reaction 
solution, which is present as an impurity in the alkali metal sulphide, 
certain amounts of alkali metal hydroxide may be additionally introduced. 
Instead of the alkali metal hydroxides, it is also possible to add 
compounds which split off or form alkali metal hydroxides under the 
reaction conditions. 
According to the present invention, it is possible to use aromatic meta- 
and para-dihalogen compounds corresponding to general formulae (I) and 
(II). The ratio of aromatic meta- to para-dihalogen compound may be up to 
30:70. 
To obtain thermoplastically-processible polyarylene sulphides, it is 
particularly preferred to use aromatic p-dihalogen compounds. 
If it is intended to produce branched polyarylene sulphides, at least 0.05 
mole % of an aromatic trihalogen or tetrahalogen compound (III) should be 
used. 
Examples of aromatic dihalogen compounds corresponding to general formula 
(I) which may be used in accordance with the present invention are 
p-dichlorobenzene, p-dibromobenzene, 1-chloro-4-bromobenzene, 
1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dibromobenzene and 1-chloro-3-bromobenzene. They 
may be used either individually or in admixture with one another. 
1,4-dichlorobenzene and/or 1,4-dibromobenzene are particularly preferred. 
Examples of aromatic dihalogen compounds corresponding to general formula 
(II) which may be used in accordance with the present invention are 
2,5-dichlorotoluene, 2,5-dichloroxylene, 1-ethyl-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 
1-ethyl-2,5-dibromobenzene, 1-ethyl-2-bromo-5-chlorobenzene, 
1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-3,5-dichlorobenzene, 1-cyclohexyl-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 
1phenyl-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 1-benzyl-2,4-dichlorobenzene, 
1-phenyl-2,5-dibromobenzene, 1-p-tolyl-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 
1-p-tolyl-2,5-dibromobenzene, 1-hexyl-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 
2,4-dichlorotoluene, 2,4-dichloroxylene, 2,4-dibromocumene and 
1-cyclohexyl-3,5-dichlorobenzene. They may be used either individually or 
in admixture with one another. 
Examples of aromatic trihalogen and tetrahalogen compounds corresponding to 
general formula (III) suitable for use in accordance with the present 
invention are 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 
1,2,4-tribromobenzene, 1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,5-trimethylbenzene, 
1,2,3-trichloronaphthalene, 1,2,4-trichloronaphthalene, 
1,2,6-trichloronaphthalene, 2,3,4-trichlorotoluene, 
2,3,6-trichlorotoluene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphthalene, 
1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene, 2,2'-4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 
1,3,5-trichlorotriazine. 
Generally, various polar solvents which guarantee adequate solubility of 
the organic and, optionally, inorganic reactants under the reaction 
conditions may be used for the reaction. Preferred solvents are N-alkyl 
lactams. 
N-alkyl lactams are those of C.sub.3 -C.sub.11 amino acids optionally 
substituted on the carbon chain which are inert under the reaction 
conditions. 
The N-alkyl lactams used are, for example, N-methylcaprolactam, 
N-ethyl-caprolactam, N-isopropyl-caprolactam, N-isobutyl-caprolactam, 
N-propyl-caprolactam, N-butyl-caprolactam, N-cyclohexyl-caprolactam, 
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidone, 
N-isobutyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-propyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-butyl-2-pyrrolidone, 
N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-3-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 
N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-3-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 
N-methyl-3,4,5-trimethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-piperidone, 
N-ethyl-2-piperidone, N-isobutyl-2-piperidone, 
N-methyl-6-methyl-2-piperidone, N-methyl-3-ethyl-2-piperidone. 
Mixtures of the above-mentioned solvents may also be used. 
Amino acids suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are 
preferably open-chain or cyclic aliphatic C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 amino acids 
which may contain lateral groups, such as C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.6 
-C.sub.14 aryl or a combination thereof, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 
alkoxythio-C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or a heterocyclic C.sub.6 -C.sub.14 
radical containing up to 3 heteroatoms, such as N, O and S. The amino 
group may be present as an NH.sub.2, NRH or NR.sub.2 group wherein R 
represents an alkyl group, preferably a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group. Two 
groups R may also be the two ends of an alkylene chain containing a 
lateral carboxyl group which forms a ring together with the NH group. 
The amino group may be fixed in the .alpha.-, .beta.-, .gamma.- or 
.omega.-position. Diamino acids or aminodicarboxylic acids may also be 
used. 
The following amino acids are mentioned by way of example: glycine, 
.alpha.-alanine, .beta.-alanine (.alpha.- and .beta.-aminopropionic acid), 
.alpha.-aminobutyric acid, .gamma.-aminobutyric acid, 
.alpha.-aminoisovaeric acid (valine), .alpha.-aminoisocaproic acid 
(leucine), .epsilon.-aminocaproic acid, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, 
N-methylamino-acetic acid (sarcosine), N-methyl-.alpha.-aminopropionic 
acid, N-methyl-.beta.-aminopropionic acid, N-methyl-.gamma.-aminobutyric 
acid, N-methyl-.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid, N-methyl-11-aminoundecanoic 
acid, aminobutane diacid (aspartic acid), 2-aminopentane diacid (glutamic 
acid), 2-amino-4-methylthiobutane acid (methionine), phenylalanine, 
proline. 
The reaction may also be carried out in the presence of conventional 
catalysts, such as alkali metal carboxylates (DE-AS No. 2,453,749), 
lithium halides or alkali metal carboxylates (DE-OS No. 2,623,362), 
lithium chloride or lithium carboxylate (DE-OS No. 2,623,363), alkali 
metal carbonates in combination with alkali metal carboxylates (U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,038,259), lithium acetate (DE-OS No. 2,623,333), trialkali metal 
phosphates (DE-OS No. 2,930,710), trialkali metal phosphonates (DE-OS No. 
2,930,797), alkali metal fluorides (DE-OS No. 3,019,732), alkali metal 
sulphonates (U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,260), lithium carbonate and lithium 
borate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,518). 
The polyarylene sulphides according to the present invention may be mixed 
with other polymers, such as pigments and fillers, for example graphite, 
metal powders, glass powder, quartz powder, glass fibres or carbon fibres, 
and may have the additives normally used for polyarylene sulphides, for 
example stabilizers or mould release agents, added to them. 
In general, the melt flow index of polyarylene sulphides is measured in 
accordance with ASTM 1238-70 at 316.degree. C. using a 5 kg weight and is 
expressed in g/10 minutes. 
With high melt flow indices, however, this method of measurement may 
present difficulties on account of the high outflow rate of the polymer 
melt. 
Because of this, the melt viscosity .mu.m of the polymer melt (in Pa.s) is 
determined at 306.degree. C. in dependence upon the shearing force (in Pa) 
using an Instron rotational viscosimeter. 
In this way, it is possible to determine melt viscosity over a very wide 
range of from 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.7 Pa.s. In the Instron rheometer, the 
polymer is fused between a fixed plate and a rotatable cone and the torque 
of the cone is determined. The melt viscosity may be calculated as a 
function of the shearing force from the torque, the angular velocity and 
the equipment data. An Instron model 3250 rheometer was used: diameter of 
the cone and the plate 2 cm. The melt viscosity quoted is the melt 
viscosity measured at a shearing force .tau. of 10.sup.2 Pa. 
It is also possible to analyse the polyarylene sulphides with 
chromatographic methods, to get informations about their molecular weight 
and the molecular weight distribution. Typical examples for such methods 
are for example high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gel 
permeation-chromatography (GPC). 
As the stationary phase may be used common commercial carrier materials, 
for example Li-Chroprep.RTM., Lobar.RTM., LiChrosorb.RTM., 
LiChrospher.RTM., Perisorb.RTM., Hibar.RTM., Fractogel.RTM., 
Fractosil.RTM., Ultrastyragel.RTM., Microstyragel.RTM., Zorbax.RTM., 
Bondagel.RTM. and Shodex.RTM.. 
As solvents and eluents may be used common solvents and diluents. These 
solvents and diluents should dissolve the polymers sufficient. Examples 
are 1-chloronaphthalene, diphenyl, N-methyl-pyrrolidone, 
N-cyclohexyl-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-piperidone, N-methyl-caprolactame, 
N-methyl-laurinelactam, sulfolane, N,N'-dimethyl-imidazolidone, 
N,N'-dimethylpiperazinone, hexamethyl-phosphoric-acid-triamide (NMP), 
1-methyl-1-oxaphospholane and mixtures thereof. 
It is possible to calibrate the analytical methods by absolute or relative 
standards. As reference substances for a relative calibration, usual 
polymers may be used as standard, for example, polystyrene, polyethylene, 
polyethylene-terephthalate, polybutylene-terephthalate, polyesters such as 
aromatic polyesters, polycarbonates, polyamides such as , 6, 1, 
polysulfones and polyethersulfones. 
The chromatography for the analytical determination of the molecular 
weights or the molecular weight distribution can be carried out at various 
pressures from about 1 to 10 bar. 
The chromatography can be carried out within a wide temperature range from 
about 20.degree. to 250.degree. C. 
Further it is possible for improvement purposes to add to the sample, which 
has to be analyzed, substances such as alkali halogenides, alkaline earth 
halogenides, phosphonium- or ammonium compounds. 
By the interpretation of the so obtained analytical datas, the weight 
average molecular weight M.sub.w can be determined. 
The weight average molecular weight M.sub.w is from 25,000 to 500,000, 
preferably from 25,000 to 380,000, more preferably from 25,000 to 300,000, 
mostly preferably from 25,000 to 150,000. 
The polyarylene-sulphides have a melt viscosity of .eta..sub.m 20 to 
500,000 Pa.s and an average weight relative molecular weight M.sub.w (rel) 
from 25,000 to 500,000 characterized in that the melt viscosity 
.eta..sub.m and the average weight of the relative molecular weight 
M.sub.w behave 
EQU lg .eta..sub.m =3.48.multidot.lg M.sub.w (rel)-14.25.+-.0.1. 
Preferably the polyarylene-sulphides are characterized in that .eta..sub.m 
and M.sub.w behave 
EQU lg .eta..sub.m =3.48.multidot.lg M.sub.w (rel)-14.25.+-.0.05. 
Immediately after isolation from the reaction mixture, the polyarylene 
sulphides according to the present invention generally have melt 
viscosities of from 0.3.times.10.sup.3 to 5.times.10.sup.6 Pa.s, 
preferably from 1.5.times.10.sup.3 to 10.sup.4 Pa.s, and good colour 
properties. They may be directly processed by extrusion, extrusion 
blowing, injection moulding or other conventional processing techniques to 
form films, mouldings and fibres. The products thus obtained may be used 
for the conventional applications, for example as automobile components, 
accessories, electrical components, for example switches, electronic 
boards, components and apparatus resistant to chemicals and weathering, 
such as pump housings and pump flywheels, etching baths, sealing rings, 
components of office machines and communications equiment, domestic 
appliances, valves, ballbearing components.

EXAMPLE 1 
This example describes by way of comparison the production of polyphenylene 
sulphide in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3,354,129. 
129 g of sodium sulphide trihydrate (corresponding to 1 mole of Na.sub.2 S) 
and 300 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone were combined in a stirrer-equipped 
autoclave. The mixture was purged with nitrogen and slowly heated to 
202.degree. C., a total of 19 ml of water distilling off. The mixture was 
then cooled to about 160.degree. C. and 147 g of p-dichlorobenzene (=1 
mole) in approx. 50 g of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone added. The reaction 
mixture was then heated to 245.degree. C. for 30 minutes under the initial 
nitrogen pressure of 2.5 bar, the pressure rising to 10 bar, and 
maintained at that temperature for 3 hours. After cooling to room 
temperature, a grey solid is isolated and carefully washed with water to 
remove organic impurities. 
After drying in vacuo at 80.degree. C., 100.3 g (93%) of poly-p-phenylene 
sulphide having the following characteristics are obtained: melt viscosity 
.mu.m=4.5 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). Thermoplastic processing is not 
possible without curing. 
EXAMPLE 2 
1110 g of N-methyl-caprolactam, 323.5 g of sodium sulphide hydrate (=2.45 
moles of Na.sub.2 S), 2.4 g of 50% sodium hydroxide, 341.1 g of 
1,4-dichlorobenznee (=2.32 moles), 28.53 g of sodium acetate and 5.07 g of 
.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid (0.035 mole) are introduced under nitrogen 
into a 2 liter three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, stirrer and 
a column with a distillate divider. The reaction mixture is slowly heated 
to boiling. Water is separated off from the distilling azeotrope 
consisting of water and p-dichlorobenzene and p-dichlorobenzene is 
returned to the reaction vessel. After 2 hours, no more water may be 
detected either in the distillate or in the sump. After heating under 
reflux for another 9 hours, the product is isolated in the form of white 
fibres in the conventional way by precipitation in water, acidification, 
washing with water to remove electrolyte and drying. The product is 
identified by determining its melt viscosity: 
EQU .eta..sub.m =3.6.times.10.sup.2 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
EXAMPLE 3 
As Example 2, except that 2.1 g of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (0.5 mole %, 
based on the moles of dihalogen benzene) are added to the reaction mixture 
as branching agent. Reaction and working-up as in Example 2. Melt 
viscosity .eta..sub.m =1.8.times.10.sup.3 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
EXAMPLE 4 
As Example 2, except that 4.09 g (0.035 mole) of .delta.-amino-butyric acid 
are used instead of the .epsilon.-aminocaproic acid. 
Melt viscosity .eta..sub.m =3.2.times.10.sup.2 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 
Pa). 
EXAMPLE 5 
Apparatus as in Example 2. 1110 g of N-methylcaprolactam 323.5 g of sodium 
sulphide hydrate (=2.45 moles), 28.0 g of 50% sodium hydroxide, 341.1 g of 
1,4-dichlorobenzene (=2.32 moles), 2.52 g of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (0.5 
mole %, based on the moles of p-dihalogen benzene), 30.2 g of 
N,N-dimethylacetamide (15 mole %) and 5.07 g (0.035 mole) of 
.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid. The reaction mixture is slowly heated to 
boiling. Water is separated off from the distilling azeotrope consisting 
of water and p-dichlorobenzene and p-dichlorobenzene is returned to the 
reaction. After 2 hours, no more water may be detected either in the 
distillate or in the sump. After heating under reflux for another 9 hours, 
the product is worked-up as in Example 2. 
.eta..sub.m =2.3.times.10.sup.3 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
EXAMPLE 6 
As Example 2, except that 33.64 g of .epsilon.-aminocaproic acid are used 
and solutions of NMC (N-methyl-caprolactam) and DCB (p-dichlorobenzene) 
and also sodium sulphide hydrate, .epsilon.-caprolactam and sodium acetate 
are combined and, at the same time, dehydrated. Further reaction and 
working-up as in Example 2. 
.eta..sub.m =3.6.times.10.sup.2 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
EXAMPLE 7 
As Example 6, but without sodium acetate. 
.eta..sub.m =1.3.times.10.sup.2 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
EXAMPLE 8 
As Example 6, except that 17.4 g of glycine are used instead of 
.epsilon.-aminocaproic acid. 
.eta..sub.m =2.0.times.10.sup.2 Pa.s (for .tau.=10.sup.2 Pa). 
In contrast to Example 1, all the p-polyphenylene sulphides of Examples 2 
to 8 may be directly thermoplastically processed. 
A p-polyphenylene sulphide produced in accordance with Example 2 of DE-OS 
No. 3,243,189 (removal of the water from the reaction, no addition of an 
amino acid) showed a darker colour both before and after melting and 
evolved acidic, corrosive gaseous constituents on melting to a greater 
extent than the p-polyphenylene sulphides produced in accordance with the 
present invention. 
Melting was carried out at 320.degree. C., the acidic gases was transferred 
with nitrogen as entraining gas into a wash bottle filled with 1 n sodium 
hydroxide solution and the sodium hydroxide used and neutralized was 
titrimetrically determined. 
______________________________________ 
Colour 
Colour af- 
after Consumption in 
ter precipi- 
melting ml of 1 N NaOH 
tation at after melting for 
in H.sub.2 O 
320.degree. C. 
30' at 320.degree. C. 
______________________________________ 
PPS (polyphenylene 
grey-white 
black 3.1 
sulphide) according 
to Example 2 of 
DE-OS 3,243,189 
PPS according to 
the present invention 
Example 2 white brownish 2.2 
Example 6 white brownish 2.1 
______________________________________