Catalytic synthesis of poly(4-oxybenzoate) by melt polymerization: a detailed kinetic study

Kinetic study of the synthesis of poly(4-oxybenzoate) by melt step growth polymerization is reported. The performances of three transesterifiation catalysts are estimated. The polycondensations obey second-order kinetics irrespective of whether the reaction was catalyzed or uncatalyzed. Breaks are observed in the kinetic plots, suggesting the presence of different kinetic regimes during the course of the reaction. A detailed kinetic analysis reveals that acid catalysis by product cannot explain the breaks