Production of poly(carbonate-co-ester) copolymers

Abstract

A poly(carbonate-co-ester) block copolymer is synthesized using synthetic strategies that can be incorporated into conventional melt facilities that are commonly used in the production of polycarbonate polymers. The polycarbonate block of the poly(carbonate-co-ester) copolymer is derived from a polycarbonate reaction mixture comprising an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a carbonic acid diester, such as bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate, respectively. The second block of the copolymer is derived from a polyester prepolymer, the polyester prepolymer comprising a diol, diacid or diester, and at least one monomer that is selected to advantageously incorporate desired properties into the poly(carbonate-co-ester) copolymer. The polyester prepolymer is introduced to the polycarbonate reaction mixture to form the poly(carbonate-co-ester) copolymer. Properties of the copolymer can be altered by varying numerous conditions of the reaction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.