Synthesis, crosslinking, and abrasion and weathering properties of (meth)acrylate-terminated bisphenol A polycarbonates

(Meth)acrylate terminated bisphenol A polycarbonates [(M)AC PCs] were prepa red under interfacial conditions by reaction of (meth)acryloyl chloride wit h bisphenol A (BA) followed by phosgenation. Addition of (M)ACl to an inter facial mixture of BA containing a catalytic amount of triethylamine followe d by phosgenation gave linear polymers with good control of molecular weigh t. Thermal crosslinking of MAC PCs was generally achieved only in the prese nce of dicumyl peroxide. Between 75 and 98% gel was obtained by using 2 wt % initiator and heating for 30 min each at 150 and 200 degrees C. All of th e AC PCs crosslinked without added initiator to form 92-100% gel by heating for 30 min at 250 degrees C. Coatings of high crosslink density (M)AC PCs on linear BA PC plaques were prepared by a combination of solvent casting, compression molding, and (optionally) oven curing. Moderate to high crossli nk density (M)AC PC coatings showed relatively high pencil hardness values and good abrasion resistance. In weathering studies, both MAC and AC PC-coa ted plaques showed low YI increases, but the MAC PC coating developed highe r haze due to microcracking. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.