Synthesis and Characterization of EO/PO Random Copolyethers

Ethylene oxide(EO) and propylene oxide(PO) random copolyethers were synthesized by the sequential addition of the mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to propylene glycol (initiator) in the presence of potassium hydroxide(KOH), and characterized with infrared spectrum(FTIR) and nuclear magnetism resonance(NMR). The effects of catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, charging rate and EO/PO mixture ratio on the polymerization reaction were investigated. It was revealed that the optimal reaction condition is the ratio of 2.5∶1 000(KOH mass vs. product mass), at 114.6℃ and pressure below 0.4 MPa. The residual KOH was neutralized by phosphoric acid(H 3PO 4). Then the crude copolyether was refined with adsorbents, and the refined copolyether, which contains less than 0.7 μg/ml K+, was obtained as colorless, viscous liquid.