Time-temperature-transformation diagram for reactive processing of polyamide 12

In order to describe the different events occurring during the anionic polymerization of polyamide 12 (PA12), a general concept of a time, temperature, and transformation (TTT) diagram was established and related to reactive processing conditions. Polymerization kinetics were established, and it was found that the reaction was best described by an autocatalytic expression. Polymerization temperatures above and below the final polymer melting temperature were considered. Furthermore, the variation of the melting temperature and viscosity were followed as a function of the polymerization time and degree of conversion. It was shown that monomer-polymer phase separation and crystallization may occur during PA12 polymerization. The results could be adapted for use during liquid molding of PA12 polymers and their composites.