Abstract: A two-step process to make a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer exhibiting improved high temperature properties is described. In the first step a prepolymer characterized as dihalo-terminated polyethersulfone oligomers is prepared by reacting an aromatic diphenol with an excess of a dihalo aromatic sulfone. In the second step the excess dihalo aromatic sulfone and the oligomers are copolymerized in the presence of a sulfur source to form a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer. An alkali metal carboxylate is present in the second step. The polymers exhibit improved softening temperature and glass transition temperature and are useful in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A two-step process to make a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer exhibiting improved high temperature properties is described. In the first step a prepolymer characterized as dihalo-terminated polyethersulfone oligomers is prepared by reacting an aromatic diphenol with an excess of a dihalo aromatic sulfone. In the second step the excess dihalo aromatic sulfone and the oligomers are copolymerized in the presence of a sulfur source to form a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone)polymer. An alkali metal carboxylate is present in the second step. The polymers exhibit improved softening temperature and glass transition temperature and are useful in high temperature applications.