abstract |
A method for removing oligomers and non-polymeric impurities from poly(arylene sulfide) polymers and producing the polymers in easily recoverable granular form is provided in which a poly(arylene sulfide) polymer associated with oligomers and non-polymeric impurities is contacted with a solvent, water, and optionally, a base, at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the polymer, oligomers and impurities; then the solution is cooled to a temperature at which the poly(arylene sulfide) precipitates while oligomers and impurities remain in solution, then the precipitated polymer is separated from the solution containing the oligomers and impurities. A polymer product produced by this method is also disclosed. |