Effect of inorganic metal compounds on synthesis of poly(butylene terephthalate) and properties of the compositions formed in situ

Using the synthesis of poly(butylene terephthalate) as an example, it was f irst shown that polycondensation can be performed in the presence of oxides and sulfides of II-VII Group metals that function not only as the fillers of the resulting polymers but also act as the reaction catalysts. Based on kinetic laws determined for the model reaction of methyl benzoate transeste rification by 1-heptanol, the catalytic activity of inorganic compounds und er examination was estimated. It was demonstrated that the compositions bas ed on poly(butylene terephthalate) and metal oxides prepared in the course of synthesis have a more ordered spatial distribution and a better adhesion of filler particles to a polymer matrix and, as a result, better mechanica l and thermal properties compared to the composition prepared by the mechan ical mixing of the same components in the melt.