Solid state polymerization and crystallization behavior of poly (ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)

Abstract

Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) is a crystallizable thermoplastic produced by condensation polymerization of naphtahalene dicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol. It has superior mechanical and physical properties compared to the well-known thermoplastic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Additionally, the resistance of PEN to chemicals, and heat make this polymer valuable for commercial uses. The production of high molecular weight PEN by melt polymerization method has many disadvantages Solid state polycondensation method is an alternative to the melt polymerization eliminates some of these disadvantages. In this study, solid state polycondensation of PEN was performed and effects of certain process parameters on polymerization rate were investigated. Isothermal crystallization study of the synthesized polymers was carried out by using differential scanning calorimetry. Isothermal crystallization kinetics of the polymers was analyzed using Avrami equation.