CA1274043A - Phenolphthalein polyarylate polymers and alloys - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Polyarylate polymers derived from (A) substituted phenolphthalein compounds or mixtures of these compounds with other bisphenols, and (B) a mixture of isophthalic and terephthalic acid. Also disclosed are polyarylate alloy compositions comprising a phenolphthalein polyary-late and a polymer resin selected from polybisphenol A
carbonate and polystyrene.

Description

~7~3'~;~

PHENOLPHTHALEIN POLYARYLATE POLYMERS AND AI,LOYS

The present invention relates to polyarylate polymers and alloys. More particularly, this invention relates to phenolphthalein polyarylate polymers and alloys having superior thermal properties.
Polyarylates are defined as aromatic polyester polymers derived from dihydroxy aromatic compounds (diphenols) and aromatic dicarboxylic acids.
In general, aromatic polyesters prepared from bisphenols or functional derivatives thereof and a terephtha]ic acid-isophthalic acid mixture or a mixture of the functional derivatives thereof, i.e., bisphenol terephthalate-bisphenol isophthalate polyesters, have excellen' mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, bending strength, bending recovery or impact strength, ~o excellent thermal properties, such as deflection temper-ature under load or degradation temperature, excellent electrical properties, such as resistivity, electric breakdown endurance, arc resistance, dielectric constant or dielectric loss and low flammability, good dimensional

2~ stability, and the like.
These aromatic polyesters are thus useful in may fields. Aromatic polyesters find special use as plastics for injection molding, extrusion molding, press molding, and the like, as monofilaments, fibers, films and coatings.
U.S. Patent No. 3,216,970 describes polyarylates which include polymers oE bisphenol A and isophthalic acid or a mixture oE isophthalic acid and tereph-thalic acid.
These polyarylates are prepared by converting the p'nthalic acid component to the diacid chloride which is then reacted with the bisphenol A or its sodium salt.
U.S~ Patent No. 3,88~,990 describes a blend of various bisphenol polyarylates and poly(ethylene oxybenzo-ate), which is useful for producing molded articles having improved cracking and crazin~ resistance. Similarly, ~0 , ~ ~:7~3 61936-17~5 U.S. Patent No. 3,946,091 describes a blend of bisphenol polyarylates and poly(ethylene terephthalate) which provides molded articles of reduced crazin~.
U.S. Patent No. 3,792,118 describes a styrene resin composition resistant to heat deformation which comprises a blend of polyarylene esters and various styrene resins.
SU~ItIARY OE' TH~ INV~N'l'lON
The present invention provldes a polyarylate of the formula O

~~ ~n wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atomss n is the degree of polymerization and wherein ~0 O ..
_c_~

is an lsophthalic or terephthalic acid moiety present in a molar ratlo ol 9-1 to 1,9, respectively.
The present lnvention addltionally provides a polyarylate copolymer derived ~rom ~A) a mixture of a phenolphthalein compound of the formula ~ ' ~7~

Rl ~,R3 HO~ )\R4 H

(~
o wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and a bisphenol compound of the formula R5 CH3 /~7 ~~ ~ C~ ~ -OH

whereln R5, R6, R7 and R~ are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; and wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is from 20:1 to 1:20; and ~ B) a mixture of isophthalic and terephthalic acid in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, respectively.
The present invention is further concerned with polyarylate alloy compositions. In the polyarylate alloy composition the radicals Rl, R2, R3 and R4, in addition to being lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, can also be hydrogen or phenyl, provided that Rl, R2, R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen. Thus the invention provides polyarylate compositions comprising (A) 10 to 90~ by welght of a polyarylate o~ the formula ~ R3 o '' _ ~0~ 0--C- @5' -~ ~0 O
l n IB

01 _4_ wherein Rl, R~, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided 05 that Rl, R2, R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen; n is the degree of polymerization; and wherein -C-~
is an isophthalic or terephthalic acid moiety present in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, respectively; and (B) 10 to 90% by weight of a polymer res.in selected from the group consisting of polybisphenol A carbonate and polystyrene.
Also contemplated by the present invention is a polyarylate alloy composition comprising (A) 10 to 90~ by weight of a polyarylate copolymer derived from ~U (1) a mixture of a phenolphthalein compound of the formula Rl R3 HO~ ~ ~o~ -ROH

wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided that Rl, R~, R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen;
~nd a bisphenol compound o~ the formula / CH3 ~

~0 ~L~7~3'~

01 _5_ wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl o-f 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; and wherein 05 the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is from 20:1 to 1:20; and (2) a mixture of isophthalic and terephthalic acid in a molar ratio of 9 1 to 1:9, respectively; and (B) 10 to 90% by weight of a polymer resin selected from the ~roup consisting of polybisphenol A carbonate and polystyrene.
Amon~ other factors, the present invention is based on the discovery that certain polyarylate polymers, deri~ed from substituted phenolphthalein compounds or mixtures of these compounds with other bisphenols, have been found to possess superior thermal properties. In addition, it has been ~ound that the above-described phenolphthalein polyarylates provide alloy compositions with polystyrene and polybisphenol A carbonate which also exhibit excellent thermal properties.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For purposes of the present invention, those polyarylates derived from a single phenolphthalein compound shall be referred to as "homopolymers" and those polyarylates derived from a mixture of phenolphthalein and other bisphenol compounds shall be referred ta as "copolymers". It is, of course, understood that phenolph-thalein may be characterized as a type of bisphenol compound. Furthermore, -the term "alloy" as used herein is meant to define an intimate physical mixture or blend oE
two or more polymers.
The substituted phenolphthalein compounds which are useful for conversion into the instant polyarylate homopolymer5 and copolymers may be represented by the ~ollowin~ ~ormula ~7~3 Ol 6-Rl /R3 OS HO- ~ ~ -OH
2 ~ / \R~
~/

wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided that Rl, R~, R3 and R4 may not all be hydro~en.
Preferably, the phenolphthalein will have from 2 to 4 lS substituents in positions ortho to -the hydroxy ~roups.
Preferred examples of substituted phenolph-thalein include the tetraalkyl derivatives, that is, wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl o~
1 to 4 carbon atoms. A particularly preferred compound is that wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are methyl, that is, 1,1-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)phthalide or, commonly, tetramethylphenolphthalein.
The phenolphthalein compounds used to form the polyarylates of the invention are prepared by reacting an appropriately ortho-substituted phanol with phthalic anhydride in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. A
typical ortho-substituted phenol is 2,6-dimethylphenol~
Suitable Friedel-Crafts catalysts include zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, stannic chloride, boron triEluoride, hydrogen Eluoride, hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like.
The polyarylate homopolymers and copolymers of the invention are prepared Erom the above substituted phenolphthaleins or from rnixtures of these compounds and other bisphenols. The instant polyarylate homopolymers are prepared Erom a single phenolphthalein compound or a functional derivative thereof. In a similar fashion, the instant polyarylate copolymers are prepared from a mixture of a phenolphthalein compound or functional derivative thereoE and a bisphenol compound of the formula ~ ~7~)4~

~1 -7-HO- ~ C ~ -OH
R6 . R8 or functional derivative thereof; wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl. When R5, R6, R7 and R8 are all hydrogen, the compound obtained, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane, is generally referred to as bisphenol A. When R5, R6, R7 and R8 are not all hydrogen, the compound obtained will herein be referred to as a substituted bisphenol A. Preferred examples of substituted bisphenol A include tetraalkyl bisphenol A and diphenyl bisphenol A. A particularly preferred substituted bisphenol A is tetramethyl bisphenol A or 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)propane. The various bisphenol A compounds are prepared by reacting an appropriately substituted phenoL, such as 2,6-dimethylphenol, with acetone in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst.
Typical functional derivatives of the above-described phenolphthaleins and bisphenols include the metal salts and the diesters with monocarboxylic acids haviny 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Preferred functional derivatives are the sodium sal-ts, potassium salts and diace~ate esters.
For the polyarylate copolymers of the present invention, the mixture oE phenolphthalein and bisphenol will have a molar ratlo o~ phenolphthalein to bisphenol of about 20:1 to 1:2~. Preferably, the molar ratio of 3S phenolphthalein to ~isphenol will be about 9:1 to 1:9, more preEerably, about ~:1 to 1:4.
The acid component which is reacted with the phenolphthalein or phenolphthalein-bisphenol mixture to prepare the polyarylates of the invention is a mixture oE

~L2~

Ol -8-isophthalic and terephthalic acid or functional deriva-tives thereof in a molar ratio of about 9:1 to 1:9, oS respectively. Preferably, the molar ratio of isophthalic to terephthalic acid will be about 3:1 to 1:3, more preferably, about l:l.
Preferred functional derivatives oE isophthalic or terephthalic acid include acid halides, such as isoph-thaloyl or terephthaloyl dichloride and isophthaloyl or terephthaloyl dibromide, and diesters, such as dialkyl esters or diaryl esters, having from 1 to ~ carbon atoms per ester group. ~xamples of suitable diesters include diphenyl isophthalate and diphenyl terephthalate.
The polyarylate homopolymers of the present invention can be generally represented by the formula ~ 3 _ C_ ~ I

~I
_ _ n wherein Rl, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen,lower alkyl of l to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided that Rl, R2, R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen; and n is the degree of polymerization. Generally, n will be adjusted to provide a polymer having an average molecular weight greater than about 15,000.
In the case of the polyarylate copolymers derived ~rQm a phenolphthalein-bisphenol mixture, the phen~lphthalein and bisphenol tnoieties will normally occur in random order throughout the polyarylata.
The polyarylates o this invention can be prepared by several methods. For example, an interfacial polycondensation process can be used. In this case an aqueous alkaline solution of a bisphenol or mixture of 01 _9_ bisphenols and a terephthaloyl dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture dissolved in an organic solvent which is 05 immiscible with water are mixed and reacted. Suitable interfacial polycondensAtion processes which can be used are disclosed, for example, in W. M. Eareckson, J. Polymer Sci., XL 399 (1959) and Japanese Patent Publication No. 1959/65.
The following is a typical polycondensation process. An aqueous alkali solution of a bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols is added to a terephthaloyl dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture, more preferably, a terephthaloyl dichloride-isophthaloyl dichloride mixture, dissolved in an organic solvent, or an organic solvent solution of a terephthaloyl dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture is added to an aqueous alkaline solution o a bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols. Alternatively, an aqueous alkaline solution of a bisphenol or mi~ture of ~o bisphenols and an organic solvent solution o~ a terephtha-loyl dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture can be simul-taneously added to a reaction vessel. Interfacial polycondensation takes place near the interface of the aqueous phase and the organic phase. However, since the aqueous phase and the organic phase essentially are not miscible, it is necessary to mutually disperse the phases.
For this purpose an agitator or a mixer such as Homo-mixer can be used.
The concentration of the terephthaloyl dihalide-i~ophthaloyl dihalide mixture dissolved in the or~anic solvent is usually from about 2 ~o 25 weight %, more preferably, from 3 to 15 wei~ht ~. The concentration of the bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols in the aqueous alkaline solution ls al.so usually from about 2 to ~5 welgh~ ~, more preeerably, ~rom 3 to 15 weight ~.
The amount of the bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols and of the terephthaloyl dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture used (molar ratio) is preferably main-tained equivalent. ~n excess o~ the terephthaloyl ~0 7 4 ~) L~L ~D

dihalide-isophthaloyl dihalide mixture is not desirable in the preparation of the high molqcular weight polyarylate.
05 Preferred alkalis are sodlum hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The concentration of the alkali in the aqueous solution can vary widely depending upon the reac~ion conditions, but is usually in the range from about 0.5 to 10 weight ~. It is advantageous if the quantity of alkali is nearly equivalent to the hydroxy groups of the bisphenol or bisphenols used or is present in a slight excess. The preferred molar ratio of the alkali to the hydroxy group of the bisphenol or bisphenols is from 1:1 to 2:1, most preferably, from 1:1 to 1.1:1.
As organic solvents which can be used for dissolvin~ the terephthaloyl dihalide isophthaloyl dihalide mixture, hydrocarbons or halogenated hydro-carbons are used. For example, methylene dichloride, chloroform, tetrachloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, tetrachloroe~hane, benzene and methylbenzene can be employed. Especially preferred are those solvents which also dissolve the aromatic copoly-esters produced. The mos~ preferred solvent is 1,1,2-trichloroethane.
The reaction temperature is not strictly llmited, and depends on the solvent used. For example, in the case o~ methylene dichloride, the reaction temperature is usually preferably below 40C, with from 5 to 30C
being especially preferred.
Interfacial polymerization is usually conducted at normal pressure and is completed in about 1 to 4 hours.
Antioxidants, dispersing agents, catalysts and viscosity stabilizers can be added to the aqueous alkaline solution or to the reaction mixture, iE desired. Typical ~S examples o~ ~UCtl a~ents are as follows. As antioxidants, sodium hydrosulfite or sodium bisulfite can be used. As dispersing agents, anionic surface-active agents, such as sodium lauryl sulEate and octadecyl benzene sulfonate, cationic surface-active agents, such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and nonionic surface-active agents such ~7~3~

~1 -1 1-as poly(ethylene oxide) adducts can be used. As catalysts,quaternary ammonium compounds, such as trimethyl benzyl OS ammonium hydroxide, trimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and triethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, tertiary sulfonium compounds, such as dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl sulfonium chloride, quaternary phosphonium compounds, such as triphenyl methyl phosphonium iodide and trimethyl octyl arsonium iodide can be used. Tertiary ammonium compounds, such as trimethyl amine, triethyl amine and benzyl dimethyl amine can also be used as catalysts. As viscosity stabilizers, mono-valent compounds, especially mono-valent phenol compounds, such as p-cumyl phenol, o-phenyl phenol, p-phenyl phenol, m-cresol and ~-naphthol can be used, if desired.
Another useful method for forming the polyarylates is melt polymerization, as disclosed, for example, in A. Conix, Ind. Eng. Chem., 51 147 (1959), in Japanese Patent Publication 15,247/63 and in U.S. Patent No. 3,395,119.
Melt polymerization can be conductsd, ~or example, by heating and reacting an aliphatic carboxylic acid diester of a bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols and a terephthalic acid-isophthalic acid mixture at reduced pressure. A preEerred diester of a bisphenol is the diacetate. Melt polymerization can also be conducted by heating and reacting a bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols and a mixture of a diaryl ester of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid. A typical diaryl ester is the diphenyl ester. The reaction temperature employed is in the range of from about 150 to 350C, more preferably, from 180 to 320C. The reaction pressure is usually varied in the course of the reaction from atmospheric pressure at the early part of the reaction to reduced pressure, such as below about 0.02 mmHg, at the end of the reaction.
In melt polymerization, the molar ratio of the bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols and the mixture of terephthalic acid-isophthalic acid components to prepare a ~1 -12-high molecular weight polyarylate must be maintained exactly equivalent.
S A nu~ber of catalysts can be used. Catalysts which are preferably used are titanium compounds, such as butyl orthotitanate and titanium dioxide. Other catalysts, such as zinc oxide, lead oxide and antimony dioxide can also be used.
Still another method for forming the polyarylates is solution polymerization, in which the polyarylates are prepared by reacting a bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols with terephthaloyl dihalide and isophthaloyl dihalide in an organic solvent solvent.
Solution polymerizations which can be used are disclosed, for example, in A. Conix, Ind. 5ng. Chem., 51 1~7 (1959), and in U.S. Patent No. 3,133,898.
In solution polymerization, the bisphenol or mixture of bisphenols and the mixture of terephthaloyl ~ dihalide and isophthaloyl dihalide, e.g., terephthaloyl dichloride and isophthaloyl dichloride, are usually mixed in e~uimolar proportions in an organic solvent, and the mixture is warmed gradually to high temperatures, such as about 220C. ~s the organic solvent used, those solvents which also dissolve the polyarylates produced, such as dichloroethyl benzene, are preferred. Usually, the reaction is carried out in the presence of a base to neutralize the hydrogen halide, e.g., hydrogen chloride, formed.
The polyarylate alloy compositions of the present invention are obtained by mixing the above-described polyarylate homopolymers and copolymers with a polymer resin selected from the group consisting of poly~
bisphenol ~ carbonate and polystyrene. In general, the 3S alloy composition will contain about 10 to 90~ by wei~ht of polyarylate and about 90 to 10~ by weight of polybis-phenol A carbonate or polystyrene. Preferably, the alloy composition will contain about 20 to 80~ by weight of polyarylate and abo-lt 80 to 20~ by weight of polybis-phenol A carbonate or polystyrene. The polystyrene will ~7~

Ol -13-normally have an average molecular weight of about 100,000 to 1,000,000, preferably about 300,000. The polybis-oS phenol A carbonate will normally have an average molecularweight of about 20,000 to 50,000, preferably about 30,000.
To add polybisphenol A carbonate or polystyrene to the polyarylates of this invention, any well known mixing technique can be used. For example, grains or powders of these two components can be mixed and blended with a V-blender, Henschel mixer, Super mixer or Kneader, and then the mixture immediataly molded. Alternatively, the mixture can be formed into pellets after melting with an extruder, a co-kneader, an intensive mixer, or the like, and then molded. The pelletizing or molding temperature is generally in the range of from about 250 to 350C, more preferably, 260 to 320C.
Another addition method comprises adding the polybisphenol A carbonate or polystyrene to a solution of the polyarylate and then evaporating off the solvent. As the solvent, those which dissolve the polyarylate can be used, such as methylene dichloride, tetrachloroethane and chloro~orm. The preferred solvent is tetrachloroethane.
The solution of polymers in a solvent may be poured into a nonsolvent to precipitate the polymer and the precipitated alloy can be removed by filtration. Suitable nonsolvents are the lower alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and the like. An especially preferred nonsolvent is ethanol.
The most suitable method for any particular system can be chosen according to the composition and the desired shape and properties of the molded articles to be produced there~rom.
In order to improve the heat resistance, light 3S stability~ weatherability or oxidation resistance of the composition or articles produced according to this invention, agents preventing thermal degradation, antioxi-dants, ultraviolet absorbants, and the like, can be added thereto, i~ desired~ For example, benzotriazole, amino-phenyl benzotriazole, benzophenone, trialkyl phosphates, such as trioctyl phosphate and tributyl phosphate,trialkyl phosphites, such as trioctyl phosphite, and 05 triaryl phosphites, such as triphenyl phosphite, can be used. These materials are conveniently added to the polyarylate copolymers and alloys of this invention at any time prior to moldin~. Known plasticizers, such as phthalate esters, e.g., dioctyl terephthalate, dioctyl orthophthalate and dioctyl isophthalate, and colorants, such as carbon black and titanium dioxide, may also be added if desired, in commonly used amounts as are known in this art.
The polyarylate polymers and alloys of this invention can be used to form many useful articles using generally known molding methods, such as injection molding, extrusion molding, press molding, and the like.
Typical examples of final products produced therefrom are films, monofilaments, fibers, injection molded materials, such as machine parts, automobile parts, electrical parts, vessels and springs. The polyarylate polymers and alloys of this invention find s~ecial use as engineering plastics for various uses which re~uire good properties.
The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention in accordance with the principles of this invention but are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way except as indicated by the appended claims. In the examples, the term "polycarbonate"
refers to polybisphenol ~ carbonate.
EXAMPLES
Example 1 Preparation of 1,1-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide A 500-ml round-bottom, three-necked flask eq~lipped with mechanical .stirrer, thermometer, water condenser and nitrot~en gas inlet tube was connected to a nitrogen supply lin~a. In the Flask was placed 56.0 g (0.46 mole) of 2,6-dimethylphenol, 28.0 g (0.20 mole) oE
phthalic anhydride, and 50.0 9 (0.36 mole) of zinc chloride. The mixture was stirred and heated at 125 to 130C by an oil bath. It was then stirred and maintained at a temperature between 125 to 130C over a period of 10 hours. After 10 hours, the reaction mixture was a reddish 05 slurry.
The product was poured out from the flask into a 2-liter beaker. The crude product was washed with

3 liters of hot water and turned a golden-yellow color.
It was then dissolved in a 10~ NaOH solution and acidified with carbon dioxide until the pH reached 1. The light yellowish solid product was collected by suction filtration and washed with a generous amount of water.
The product was recrystallized three times from a mixed solvent of 200-proof ethanol and distilled water. The IS residual solvent was removed by drying the product in a vacuum oven at 100C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The final product was a light yellowish powder. The yield was 57 g, 81% of theory. The product had a melting point of 274 to 277C and was found to be of 99.8% purity by liquid ~0 chromatography. The product was analyzed for the percent of carbon and hydrogen. Analytical calculated for C22H22O~: C, 75.41; H, 6.33. Found: C, 75.77;
H, 5.83. NMR(acetone-d6): ~7.7 (m, 4, ArH~, 6.95 (s, 4, ArH), 1.8 (s, 12, ArCH3).
Example 2 Preparation of 1,1-Di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydrox~phertyl) Phthalide Iso/Terephthalate Polymer A 500-ml three-necked flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, thermometer, and nitrogen gas inlet and outlet was charged with 10.5 g (0.03 mole) of l,l-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) phthalide, 0.20 g (0~0009 mole) of triethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, 0.02 g of sodium bisulfite, 2.6~ 9 (0.066 mole) of sodium hydroxide, 135 ml o~ distilled water, and 30 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane. rrhe reaction mixture wa5 stirred at a motor speed of 1000 rprn under nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature not exceeding 10C maintained by an ice water bath. A mixed solution of terephthaloyl dichloride, 3.05 g (0.015 mole), and isophthaloyl dichloricle, 3.05 g (0.015 mole)~ in 40 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane was added over a period of 30 minutes. At the same time the mixturewas vigorously stirred. The ice water bath was then ~5 removed and replaced with a room temperature water bath.
Stirring was continued ~or an additional four hours.
Subsequently, the upper layer was decanted and replaced by 100 ml of distilled water and 30 ml o~ 1,1,2-trichloro-ethane. The mixture was again stirred for 30 minutes.
The resulting aqueous layer was decanted and removed. The organic layer was poured into 500 ml of 200-proo~ ethanol.
A white polymer was precipitated and collected by suction filtration, The polymer was washed four times with 200 ml of ethanol. The product was placed in a vacuum oven at 100C overnight. The yield of the polymer was 13~6n g.
This was a 84.5~ yield. The polymer was dissolved for Gardner viscosity in a mixed solvent of 40/60 phenol and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane by rotating it overnight. The Gardner viscosity of a 10% polymer solution was 0.65 poises at 25C. Reduced viscosity was measured at 0.25 ~/100 ml in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. Reduced viscosity was 0.36 dl/g at 25C. The glass transition temperature, rneasured by differential ~canning calorimetry (DSC), was 277C.
Example 3 Preparation of 1,1-Di-~3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide ~isphenol A
Iso/Terephthalate Copolymer A 500-ml three-necked flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, thermometer, and nitrogen gas inlet and outlet was charged with 6.30 g (0.018 mole, 60 mole ~) of l,l-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) phthalide, 2.74 g (0.012 mole, 40 mole %) Oe bisphenol A, 0.20 g (0-0009 Inole) of triethylbenæy~ ammoniunn chloride, 0.02 g o~ sodium bisulfite, 2.64 9 ~0.066 mole) oE sodium hydroxide, 135 ml of water, and 30 ml oE 1,1,2-trichloro-ethane. The reaction mixture was stirred at a motor speed of 1000 rpm under a nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature not exceeding 10C maintained by an ice water bath. A
mixed solution of terephthaloyl dichloride, 3.05 g (0.015 rnole), and isophthaloyl dichloride, 3.05 g (0.015 mole), ~L~7~ 3 Ol -17-in 40 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane was added over a period of 30 minutes. At the same time the mixture was 05 vigorously stirred. Ihe ice water bath was then removed and replaced with a room temperature water bath. Stirring ;
was continued for an additional four hours. Subsequently, the upper layer was decanted and replaced by 100 ml of distilled water and 30 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane. The mixture was again stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting aqueous layer was decanted and removed. The organic layer was poured into 500 ml of 200-proof ethanol. A white polymer was precipitated which was collected by suction filtration. The polymer was washed four times with 200 ml of ethanol. The product was placed in a vacuum oven at 100C overnight. The yield of the polymer was 12.2 g.
This was a 81~ yield. The polyrner was dissolved for ~ardner viscosity in a mixed solvent of 40/60 phenol and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane by rotating it overnight. The Gardner viscosity of a 10% polymer solution was 3.40 poises at 25C. Reduced viscosity was measured at 0.25 g/100 ml in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. Reduced viscosity was 0.88 dl/g at 25C. The glass transition temperature, Tg, measured by differential scanning calorimetry, was 266C.
Following the above procedure, various copolymers were prepared having different mole ratios of bisphenols. The glass transi-tion temperature, Tg, of copolymers having various mole ratios o~ bisphenols is 30 shown in Table 1.
Table 1 1,1-Di-t3',5'-dimethyl-~'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide,Bisphenol A, Mol~ ~ Mole ~ Tg, C

~0 266 ~0 60 222 ~2~

Exam~le 4 Preparation of 2,2-Bis-(4'-hydroxy-3',5'-05 dimethylphenyl) Propane and 1,1-Di-(3l,5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide Iso/Tereph-thalate Copolymer A 500-ml three-necked flask equipped with mechanical stirrer, thermometer, and nitrogen gas inlet and outlet was charged with 3.41 9 (0.012 mole, 60 mole ~) --of 2,2-bis-(4'-hydroxy-3',5'-dimethylphenyl) propane, 2.80 g (0.008 mole, 40 mole ~) of 1,1-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-

4'-hydroxyphenyl) phthalide, 0.14 g (0.0006 mole) of triethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, 0.02 g of sodium bisulfite, 1.76 g (0.044 mole) of sodium hydroxide, 135 ml of distill~d wa~er, and 30 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane.
The reaction mixture was stirred at a motor speed of 1000 rpm under nitrogen atmosphere at a temperature not e~ceeding 10C maintained by an ice water bath. A mixed solution of terephthaloyl dichloride, 2.03 g (0.01 mole), ~ and isophthaloyl dichloride, 2.03 g (0.01 mole), in 40 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane was added over a period of 30 minutes. At the same time the mixture was vigorously stirred. The ice water bath was then removed and replaced with a room temperature water bath. Stirring was con-tinued for an additional four hours. Subsequently, the upper layer was decanted and replaced by 100 ml of dis~illed water and 30 ml of 1,1,2-trichloroethane. The mixture was again stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting aqueous layer was decanted and removed. The organic layer was poured into 500 ml of 200-proof ethanol. A white polymer was precipitated which was collected by suction filtration, The copolymer was washed four times with 200 ml of ethanol. The product was placed in a vacuum ov~n at 100C overnight. The yield of the copolymer was 3S ~.42 ~. This was a 95.6~ yield~ The copolymer was dissolved for Gardner viscosity in a mixed solvent o 40/60 phenol and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane by rotating it overni~ht. The Garclner viscosity of a 10~ polymer solution was 1.65 poises at 25C. Reduced viscosity was measured at 0.25 g/100 ml in 1,1,~,2-tetrachloroethane.

~L~ 3 o 1 - 1 9 -Reduced viscosity was 0.08 dl/g at 25C~ The copolymer had a ~lass transition temperature of 253C.
05 Following the above procedure, various copolymers were prepared having different mole ratios of bisphenols. The glass transition temperature, Tg, of copolymers having various mole ratios of bisphenols is shown in Table 2.
Table 2 2,2-Bis-(4'-hydroxy~ Di-(3',5'-dimethyl-3l,5'-dimethylphenyl) 4'-hydroxyphenyl) Propane, Mole ~ Phthalide, Mole ~ Tg, C

~0 60 288 Example 5 Preparation of Alloy of lpl-~i-(3',5'-dimeth~yl-~U 4'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide Bisphenol A
Iso/Terephthalate With Polycarbonate In a 20-ml vial was placed 1.0 g of bisphenol A
(40 mole %)/1,1-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) phthalide (60 mole ~) iso/terephthalate, 1.0 9 of poly-carbonate (Lexan 141), and 18.0 g of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-ethane. The vial was placed on a rotator and rotated until the mixture was completely dissolved. This was now a 1:1 solution by weight of the two polymers. Two ml of the above polymer solution was placed on a 2.5 in. x 5 in.
glass plate. A film was cast with an 0.02-in. thickness doctor blade. The cast film was first dried at room temperature in the hood until most of the solvent had evaporated. The glass plate with film was trans~erred to a forced air oven at 40C for four hours and 75C ~or an additi~nal Eour hours. I`he compatlbillty of the film was examined after it was removed from -the oven. The remainder ~f tha solution was poured into 150 ml of methanol. A white polymer was precipitated which was collected by suction filtration. The polymer was washed 7~ 3 four times with 50 ml of methanol. The product was then placed in a vacuum oven at 100C until the weight was 05 constant.
Following the above procedure, various alloys were prepared having different weight ratios of polymers.
The glass transition temperaturel Tg, for these alloys is shown in Table 3.
Table 3 Polyarylate~ Wt % Polycarbonate, Wt ~ Tg, C

Example 6 Preparation of the Alloy of 2,2-Bis~
hydroxy-3',5'-dimethylphenyl) Propane and 1,1-Di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) Phthalide Iso/Terephthalate With Polycarbonate In a 20-ml vial was placed 1.0 g of 2,2-bis-(4'~
hydroxy-3',5'-dimethylphenyl) propane (50 mole %)/l,l-di-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl) phthalide (50 mole ~) iso/terephthalate, 1.0 g of polycarbonate (GE Lexan 141), and 18.0 g of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethana. The vial was placed on a rotator and rotated until the mixture was completely dissolved. This was now a 1:1 solutionO Two ml of the above polymer solution was placed on a 2.5 in. x

5 in. glass plate. A film was cast with an 0.02-in.
thickness doctor blade. The cast film was first dried at room temperature in the hood until most of the solvent had evaporated~ The glass plate with film was transferred to a forced air oven at 40C for four hours and at 75C for an additional four hours. The compatibility of the film was examined after it was removed from the oven. The 3C remainder o~ the polymer solution was poured into 150 ml of methanol. A white polymer was precipitated which was collected by suction filtration. The polymer was washed four times with 50 ml oE methanol. The product was then placed in a vacuum oven at 100C until the weight was constant.

Following the above procedure r various alloys were prepared having different weight ratios of polymers.
05 The glass transition temperature, Tg, for these alloys is shown in Table 4.
Table 4 Polyarylate, Wt ~ Polycarbonate, Wt % Tg, C
1~20 80 1~4

Claims (32)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEEINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A polyarylate of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n is the degree of polymerization; and wherein is an isophthalic or terephthalic acid moiety present in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, respectively.

2. The polyarylate according to Claim 1, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are methyl.

3. The polyarylate accordlng to Claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of the isophthalic to terephthalic acid moiety is about 3:1 to 1:3.

4. The polyarylate according to Claim 3, wherein the molar ratio of the isophthalic to terephthalic acid moiety is about 1:1.

5. A polyarylate copolymer derived from (A) a mixture of a phenolphthalein compound of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are indepandently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and a bisphenol compound of the formula wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; and wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is from 20:1 to 1:20; and (B) a mixture of isophthalic and terephthalic acid in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, respectively.

6. The copolymer according to Claim 5, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are methyl.

7. The copolymer according to Claim 5, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are hydrogen.

8. The copolymer according to Claim 5, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

9. The copolymer according to Claim 8, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are methyl.

10. The copolymer according to Claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of isophthalic to terephthalic acid is about 3:1 to 1:3.

11. The copolymer according to Claim 10, wherein the molar ratio of isophthalic to terephthalic acid is about 1:1.

12. The copolymer according to Claim 5, wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is about 9:1 to 1:9.

13. The copolymer according to Claim 12, wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is about 4:1 to 1:4.

14. A polyarylate alloy composition comprising (A) 10 to 90% by weight of a polyarylate of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided the R1, R2, R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen; n is the degree of polymerization; and wherein is an isophthalic or terephthalic acid moiety present in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, respectively; and (B) 10 to 90% by weight of a polymer resin selected from the group consisting of polybisphenol A carbonate and polystyrene.

15. The composition according to Clalm 14, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

16. The composition according to Claim 15, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are methyl.

17. The composition according to Claim 14, wherein the molar ratio of the isophthalic to terephthalic acid moiety is about 3:1 to 1:3.

18. The composition according to Claim 17, wherein the molar ratio of the isophthalic to terephthalic acid moiety is about 1:1.

19. The composition according to Claim 14, wherein component (B) is polybisphenol A carbonate.

20. The composition according to Claim 14, wherein component (B) is polystyrene.

21. A polyarylate alloy composition comprising (A) 10 to 90% by weight of a polyarylate copolymer derived from (1) a mixture of a phenolphthalein compound of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; provided that R1, R2 R3 and R4 may not all be hydrogen; and a bisphenol compound of the formula wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently hydrogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl; and wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is from 20:1 to 1:20; and (2) a mixture of isophthalic and terephthalic acid in a molar ratio of 9:1 to 1:9; respectively; and (B) 10 to 90% by weight of a polymer resin selected from the group consisting of polybisphenol A carbonate and polystyrene.

22. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

23. The composition according to Claim 22, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are methyl.

24. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are hydrogen.

25. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

26. The composition accoxding to Claim 25, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are methyl.

27. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein the molar ratio of isophthalic to terephthalic acid is about 3:1 to 1:3.

28. The composition according to Claim 27, wherein the molar ratio of isophthalic to terephthalic acid is about 1:1.

29. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is about 9:1 to 1:9.

30. The composition according to Claim 29, wherein the molar ratio of phenolphthalein to bisphenol is about 4:1 to 1:4.

31. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein component (B) is polybisphenol A carbonate.

32. The composition according to Claim 21, wherein component (B) is polystyrene.