Processes for preparing block copolymers and the block copolymers prepared
therefrom comprising at least two types of homoblock, all belonging to
the polysulfone family, wherein each of the said homoblocks has an
identical or different molecular weight of at least 1000 and comprises at
least 5% of the overall weight of the block copolymer, and wherein the
block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 2000, the process
steps comprising preparing each of the aforesaid homoblocks by reacting
at least one aromatic diol with at least one aromatic dihalo compound,
one of which contains at least one sulfone group, in at least one aprotic
solvent in the presence of at least one alkali, optionally in the
presence of an azeotropic agent and then reacting the aforesaid
homoblocks together in at least an aprotic solvent, optionally followed
by end-capping said block copolymer. The invention also relates to the
block copolymers themselves, which are useful for molding, extrusion and
can also be used as compatibilizers for their high molecular weight
homologues.