Preparation and properties of star-branched PA12 with hexafunctional cyclotriphosphazene core

Using hexa(4-carboxylphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (HCPCP) with six carboxyl groups as the core, a new kind of star-branched PA12 with hexafunctional cyclotriphosphazene core was prepared in the ring-opening polymerization of -laurolactam. The relationship between the structure and properties of star-branched PA12 had been systematically investigated. Compared with linear PA12, star-branched PA12 has lower relative viscosity and higher melt flow rate while its mechanical properties can be almost retained by the use of star-branching and an appropriate molecular weight. Research on crystallization and rheological behaviors indicate that star-branched PA12 with appropriate molecular weight has the faster crystallization rate, the higher flowability and the lower processing temperature and pressure than linear PA12, which could be used as the easy processing polyamide resin for the rapid moldingprocess.