Polycarbonate networks. 1. Synthesis and characterization of vinylphenylcarbonate terminated oligomers

Vinylphenylcarbonate terminated oligocarbonates were synthesized with number average molecular weights ranging from 1.5 to 10 kg/mol. The oligomers were synthesized by the addition of the hydrolysis products of 4-acetoxystyrene into a bisphenol A and phosgene interfacial polymerization reaction. Good molecular weight control was obtained. The functional oligomers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and were found to have glass transition temperatures (Tg) that reflected the molecular weight of the oligomers and to undergo an exothermic cure reaction at temperatures that depended on the molecular weight of the oligomers. The cure of the oligomers into insoluble networks was observed after DSC measurements by solubility tests, and the Tg was observed to increase upon a second heat to reflect the high molecular weight polycarbonate obtained after cure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the polymers showed an increase in the temperature for 5% weight loss with a decrease in molecular weight of the functional oligomers.