Abstract: A method for preparing branched polyesters in melt or solid phase comprises reacting together diols, diacids and polyfunctional modifiers having at least three functional radicals to form a condensation polymer. This condensation polymer is polycondensed to form a polyester by linear extension and branching while correlating catalyst activity, reaction temperature and pressure to restrain the extent of reaction for linear extension to within about 0.1 percent of the extent of reaction for branching.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for inhibiting in a polymerization reaction crosslinking of photocrosslinkable condensation homopolymers and copolymers by use of a synergistic inhibitor composition comprising specified amounts of a hindered phenolic compound and a phosphoric acid ester in the presence of monomers from which said homopolymers and copolymers are formed. Residue from the inhibitor composition remains in the polymeric product and serves as a stabilizer against heat deterioration and premature crosslinking of the product during recovery and storage. The stabilized homopolymers and copolymers are useful for manufacture of radiation sensitive elements. Photographic elements formed from the stabilized condensation polymers are particularly useful as lithographic plates.