Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonates with extremely low residual levels of volatile constituents and thermal degradation products, and also improved optical properties, especially Yellowness Index (YI) and good thermal stability, from solvent-containing polymer melts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process for preparing these polycarbonates with the aid of a devolatilizing extruder with at least three devolatilizing zones, and zones for introducing entraining agent into dispersion are present upstream of at least three devolatilizing zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonates with extremely low residual levels of volatile constituents and thermal degradation products, and also improved optical properties, especially Yellowness Index (YI) and good thermal stability, from solvent-containing polymer melts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process for preparing these polycarbonates with the aid of a devolatilizing extruder with at least three devolatilizing zones, and zones for introducing entraining agent into dispersion are present upstream of at least three devolatilizing zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonates with extremely low residual levels of volatile constituents and thermal degradation products, and also improved optical properties, especially Yellowness Index (YI) and good thermal stability, from solvent-containing polymer melts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process for preparing these polycarbonates with the aid of a devolatilizing extruder with at least three devolatilizing zones, and zones for introducing entraining agent into dispersion are present upstream of at least three devolatilizing zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonates with extremely low residual levels of volatile constituents and thermal degradation products, and also improved optical properties, especially Yellowness Index (YI) and good thermal stability, from solvent-containing polymer melts. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a process for preparing these polycarbonates with the aid of a devolatilizing extruder with at least three devolatilizing zones, and zones for introducing entraining agent into dispersion are present upstream of at least three devolatilizing zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of alkylphenols for adjusting the molecular weight of polycarbonates and compositions of these polycarbonates with additives chosen from the group of heat stabilizers, mold release agents and light stabilizers, the use thereof for the production of moldings and moldings obtainable therefrom.

Abstract: A process for treating the working surfaces of equipment used in the production and processing of polycarbonate is disclosed. The thermal treatment in an oxidative atmosphere results in resin and molded articles having improved optical quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of alkylphenols for adjusting the molecular weight of polycarbonates and compositions of these polycarbonates with additives chosen from the group of heat stabilizers, mould release agents and light stabilizers, the use thereof for the production of mouldings and mouldings obtainable therefrom.

Abstract: Continuous processes for preparing polycarbonates having a weight average molecular weight Mw, of 15,000 to 200,000 g/mol, the processes comprising reacting a dihydroxydiarylalkane and phosgene in the presence of a catalyst in a phase boundary process comprising: continuously dispersing in a disperser an organic phase comprising at least a portion of the phosgene and a solvent suitable for the polycarbonate and an aqueous phase comprising the dihydroxydiarylalkane, water and an alkali solution present in an amount of 1.5 to 2.5 moles per mole of the dihydroxydiarylalkane, to form a mixture; reacting the mixture in a first reactor with a residence time of less than 0.5 seconds; further reacting the mixture in a second reactor with addition of further alkali solution and, optionally, a chain terminator; and effecting further condensation in a third reactor with addition of further alkali solution and, optionally, a chain terminator, in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: An improvement to the phase interface process of preparing aromatic polycarbonate is disclosed. The process is characterized in that the phosgenation is carried out at 0 to 40° C., and in that the temperature of the reaction mixture at the time of addition of the catalyst at 10 to 40° C., and in that the molar ratio of aromatic dihydroxy compounds to phosgene at 1:1.05 to 1:1.20. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized in its low content of carbamates, making it particularly suitable for the preparation of optical storage media.

Abstract: Continuous processes for preparing polycarbonates having a weight average molecular weight MW, of 15,000 to 200,000 g/mol, the processes comprising reacting a dihydroxydiarylalkane and phosgene in the presence of a catalyst in a phase boundary process comprising: continuously dispersing in a disperser an organic phase comprising at least a portion of the phosgene and a solvent suitable for the polycarbonate and an aqueous phase comprising the dihydroxydiarylalkane, water and an alkali solution present in an amount of 1.5 to 2.5 moles per mole of the dihydroxydiarylalkane, to form a mixture; reacting the mixture in a first reactor with a residence time of less than 0.5 seconds; further reacting the mixture in a second reactor with addition of further alkali solution and, optionally, a chain terminator; and effecting further condensation in a third reactor with addition of further alkali solution and, optionally, a chain terminator, in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for treating the working surfaces of equipment used in the production and processing of polycarbonate is disclosed. The thermal treatment in an oxidative atmosphere results in resin and molded articles having improved optical quality.

Abstract: A process for purifying polycarbonate is disclosed. The process entails filtering molten polycarbonate having weight average molecular weight of 14,000 to 30,000 g/mol through at least one non-woven metal structure having a thickness of 5 to 1 mm, said structure including at least one dense layer, and at least one less dense layer wherein said dense layer is 0.05 to 0.2 mm thick and has pore size of 1 to 10 ?m to obtain pure polycarbonate.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin comprising fluorescing particles that feature a particular size distribution is disclosed. The size distribution of these particles that fluoresce upon excitation at wavelengths of 400-440 nm, 50× magnification and illumination time of 40 msec per scan was found to be critical in determining the suitability of the resin for optical, particularly optical storage, applications.

Abstract: An improvement to the phase interface process of preparing aromatic polycarbonate is disclosed. The process is characterized in that the phosgenation is carried out at 0 to 40° C., and in that the temperature of the reaction mixture at the time of addition of the catalyst at 10 to 40° C., and in that the molar ratio of aromatic dihydroxy compounds to phosgene at 1:1.05 to 1:1.20. The polycarbonate thus produced is characterized in its low content of carbamates, making it particularly suitable for the preparation of optical storage media.