Copolymerisation of unsaturated esters
AssigneeExxon Research & Engineering Co.
InventorsRamah J. Brod, Robert L. Elliott, Jean P. P. Coquerel
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Abstract
The reaction cycle time for the copolymerization of unsaturated esters such as alkyl fumarates and vinyl acetate, and for the polymerization of methacrylates and acrylates may be dramatically reduced by carrying out the polymerization at elevated temperatures and pressures. An additional feature is the addition of initiator during polymerization which leads to improved products especially for lubricating oil pour depressants and fuel and crude oil flow improvers.
Claims12
In a process for the preparation of additives for liquid hydrocarbon fuels, crude oils and lubricating oils, said process comprising the free radical, solution polymerisation or copolymerisation of unsaturated ester monomers selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 acrylates, methacrylates and mixtures thereof, the improvement wherein the polymerisation or copolymerisation is conducted:
- (a) under a blanket of inert gas,
- (b) at a controlled temperature within the range of 85.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.,
- (c) at a controlled pressure within the range of 90 psi to 1600 psi,
- (d) said pressure being the pressure of the inert gas, the pressure of said gas being sufficient to prevent vaporization of the monomers and solvent during polymerization, and
- (e) with a free radical generating catalyst having a half life no greater than 2 hours at the reaction temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.