Reactive blending of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polycarbonate, 1. A reappraisal of the reactions occuring during melt‐mixing

Abstract

Abstract The reactions occurring during melt‐mixing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and bisphenol‐A polycarbonate have been reconsidered. Certain evidence leads us to conclude that two reactions, usually disregarded in the literature, occur, which have to be considered in the general scheme along with the already described exchange reactions. These reactions lead to the formation of cyclic ethylene carbonate and of aromatic‐aliphatic ether moieties, and therefore introduce significant modifications in the chemical structure of the polymeric material resulting from melt‐mixing. An increase in the amount of aromatic‐aromatic ester groups and the formation of a significant amount of aromatic‐aliphatic ether moieties can be obtained depending on reaction conditions.