High-Temperature Aromatic Polyesters of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid and Their Copolyesters

The polymerization of the p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) homopolymer was first accomplished in 1963 and then commercialized in early 1970 as Ekonol. In the mid 1960's we successfully prepared melt processable copolymer of PHBA and biphenol terephthalate and proceeded to commercialize it as Eldccel I-2000 and C-1000 in early 1971. This was followed shortly thereafter with high the discovery of a high strength/modulus fiber (patented in 1974 and based on the I-2000 composition). Important progress was made in the 1980's on the role of interchange transesterification, ITR, leading to randomization and ordering of copolyester chains. As part of ITR we were able to demonstrate development of strong adhesive character between two coatings of copolyesters. Finally we were successfully able to prepare a new kind of thermosetting aromatic copolyester (ATSP), which provides a number of solutions to critical problems including greatly improved ablative shields, far superior matrices for greatly improved fiber reinforced composites and wear resistant coatings consisting of fluorocarbon polymer as blends with ATSP.