Optimization of the new technology for manufacturing γ-polyoxymethylene

Abstract

A new technology of manufacturing γ-polyoxymethylene (γ-POM) by the polymerization 1,3,5-trioxane in the presence of a boron trifluoride etherate aprotic catalytic agent and a methylal telogen in the medium of the non-ozone-depleting solvent toluene, with an yield exceeding the yield of γ-POM manufactured by the existing industrial technology by 30% is developed. Regression equations for the yield and weight-average particle size of γ-POM synthesized in the toluene medium were derived by means of the optimal experimental design technique. The equations were used to optimize parameters of the synthesis and obtain γ-POM with the weight-average particle size of 15 μm and the highest possible yield.