Blends containing macrocyclic polyester oligomer and high molecular weight polymer

Abstract

The invention provides blends of macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) with high-molecular-weight polymer and polymerization catalyst as friable, one-component, ready-to-polymerize materials with long shelf life. The invention also provides methods for preparation and use of the blend materials. The blends are used, for example, in the production of thermoplastics via low-pressure processes, such as rotational molding and powder coating, without modification of existing equipment. The blends are particularly useful where it is desired to exploit the ability to polymerize and crystallize MPO isothermally, but where the melt viscosity of unfilled MPO is too low for use in existing equipment.

1 - 36 . (canceled)  
   
   
       37 . A composition comprising: 
 (a) linear polymer; and    (b) macrocyclic polyester oligomer, wherein the macrocyclic polyester oligomer comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of macrocyclic poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate)oligomer, macrocyclic poly(1,3-propylene terephthalate)oligomer, macrocyclic poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) oligomer, macrocyclic poly(ethylene terephthalate) oligomer, macrocyclic poly(1,2-ethylene 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) oligomer, and macrocyclic copolyester oligomer comprising two or more monomer repeat units.    
   
   
       38 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the macrocyclic polyester oligomer comprises macrocyclic poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate)oligomer.  
   
   
       39 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the linear polymer comprises a polyester.  
   
   
       40 . The composition of  claim 39 , wherein the polyester comprises polybutylene terephthalate.  
   
   
       41 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the linear polymer comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a copolyester, a poly(vinyl butyral), and an acrylic polymer.  
   
   
       42 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the linear polymer has a molecular weight of at least about 5000.  
   
   
       43 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the linear polymer has a molecular weight of at least about 50,000.  
   
   
       44 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the linear polymer has a molecular weight from about 80,000 to about 120,000.  
   
   
       45 . The composition of  claim 37 , further comprising a polymerization catalyst.  
   
   
       46 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the composition is stable at ambient conditions for at least one week.  
   
   
       47 . The composition of  claim 45 , wherein the composition is stable at ambient conditions for at least one month.  
   
   
       48 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the composition is friable.