| abstract |
Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt, with application of vacuum, with at least one trimellitic anhydride salicylate, ester, preferably the 4-(phenyl salicylate) ester. The preferred melt processing method is extrusion with vacuum venting. By this method, the polyphenylene ether is capped with reactive dicarboxylate groups and also with salicylate groups, improving its thermal stability. The capped polyphenylene ether is capable of forming copolymers with polyamides, and said copolymers are useful as compatibilizers for polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends. |