Prepolyether synthesis

Figure 4.30 Scheme for polyether polyol fabrication by anionic polymerisation of alkylene oxides, initiated by glycerol or diols (variant). 1 - Reactor for potassium glycerolate synthesis 2 - Reactor for prepolyether synthesis 3 - Reactor for polyether synthesis 4 - Reactor for purification 5 - Filter press 6 - Storage tank for final purified poly ether 7 - Heat exchangers for removal of the reaction heat 8 - Condensers 9 - Vacuum pumps 10 - Vessels for distilled water 11 - Recirculation pumps 12 - Gear pump or screw (or double screw) pump... 

Unfortunately, it was observed experimentally that Equation 4.22 is valid only for low MW PO homopolymers, of a maximum MW of 1000 daltons, such as for the synthesis of prepolyether by propoxylation of glycerol. 

The synthesis of rigid polyether polyols, by polymerisation of PO or EO, initiated by polyols which are liquid under the conditions of the polymerisation temperature, is simple, and similar to the synthesis of the prepolyether by propoxylation of glycerol (see Chapters 4.1.1 and 4.1.5). 

---