Abstract: A method of making polycarbonate comprises polymerizing, in a melt polymerization reaction, an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diaryl carbonate in a presence of a polymerization catalyst and producing a by-product vapor stream comprising the dihydroxy compound, the diaryl carbonate and a diaryl carbonate by-product, adding a low vapor pressure compound to the by-product vapor stream to produce a modified by-product vapor stream, introducing the modified by-product vapor stream to a separation unit, removing the volatile diaryl carbonate by-product from the modified by-product vapor stream in the separation unit to form a treated by-product stream and returning the treated by-product stream to the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, the low vapor pressure compound can be added directly to the separation unit.

Abstract: A method of making polycarbonate comprises polymerizing, in a melt polymerization reaction, an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diaryl carbonate in a presence of a polymerization catalyst and producing a by-product vapor stream comprising the dihydroxy compound, the diaryl carbonate and a diaryl carbonate by-product, adding a low vapor pressure compound to the by-product vapor stream to produce a modified by-product vapor stream, introducing the modified by-product vapor stream to a separation unit, removing the volatile diaryl carbonate by-product from the modified by-product vapor stream in the separation unit to form a treated by-product stream and returning the treated by-product stream to the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, the low vapor pressure compound can be added directly to the separation unit.

Abstract: A method of producing a polycarbonate is provided. In an embodiment of the present invention the method includes the steps of: (i) introducing to a melt polymerization reactor system a reaction mixture having a first dihydroxy compound and an acid stabilizer, a carbonate source, and a polymerization catalyst system containing K2HPO4; and (ii) allowing the reaction mixture to polymerize thereby forming polycarbonate.

Abstract: A method of producing a polycarbonate is provided. In an embodiment of the present invention the method includes the steps of: (i) introducing to a melt polymerization reactor system a reaction mixture having a first dihydroxy compound and an acid stabilizer, a carbonate source, and a polymerization catalyst system containing K2HPO4; and (ii) allowing the reaction mixture to polymerize thereby forming polycarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making polycarbonate oligomers, polycarbonate, molded articles formed from polycarbonate, and an apparatus for making polycarbonate. An oligomer mixture is first prepared by the steps of providing an equilibration system comprising a vessel, a reaction mixture contained within the vessel, and means for mixing the reaction mixture contained within the vessel wherein the reaction mixture comprises a melted activated diaryl carbonate composition, and a catalyst present in sufficient amount to initiate an oligomerization reaction between a dihydroxy composition and the activated diaryl carbonate to form polycarbonate oligomers.