This invention relates to high molecular weight block copolymers of
.epsilon.-caprolactone and .omega.-lauryl lactam prepared by sequential
bulk polymerization using a mixture of at least one anionic polymerization
initiator and optionally at least one co-initiator. A preferred continuous
sequential bulk reactive extrusion process comprises feeding a mixture of
.omega.-lauryl lactam, at least one anionic polymerization initiator, and
at least one co-initiator into the first (i.e., upstream) hopper of an
extruder, and thereafter feeding .epsilon.-caprolactone into a second
(i.e., downstream) hopper of the extruder. The preferred continuous
sequential bulk reactive extrusion is solvent free, rapid (typical mean
and maximum residence times in the extruder being no more than about 20
minutes and 30 minutes respectively), and produces a high conversion of
monomers to block copolymer.
The poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone/.omega.-lauryl lactam) block copolymers
compatibilize the blending of otherwise immiscible or poorly miscible
polymers to form polymer blends having improved mechanical and thermal
properties. Accordingly, the block copolymers can be compounded with
chlorine containing polymers and other polymers such as polyamides,
anhydride polymers such as maleic anhydride, and the like. To improve the
impact resistance of the compatibilized blend, impact modifiers can be
utilized such as maleic anhydride modified EPM, EPDM, and the like. To
improve thermal and mechanical properties, thermal performance modifiers
can be utilized such as maleic anhydride polyolefins or maleic anhydride
modified polymers made from vinyl substituted aromatic monomers.
