| abstract |
A method is provided for producing p-phenylene sulfide polymers by contacting a p-dihalobenzene, an alkali metal sulfide, an alkali metal carboxylate, an organic amide, and an alkali metal carbonate at polymerization conditions. The use of an alkali metal carbonate in addition to the other compounds contacted to form a composition results in p-phenylene sulfide polymers of higher molecular weight than produced without the alkali metal carbonate, as evidenced by higher inherent viscosity and lower melt flow of the polymer than produced by compared methods. |