Comments on the Status and Future of Interfacial Polycondensation

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Abstract
Interfacial polycondensation came into prominence in the 1950′s with the work of Schnell on polycarbonates, Conix on polyesters, and Wittbecker, Morgan and co-workers on polyurethanes, polyamides and other polymer classes. There were a few earlier patent references. The method has several variations and is a highly effective procedure for the rapid preparation of many polymers on a small scale. It is particularly appropriate for polymers which are thermally unstable or unmeltable, for use with volatile or unstable intermediates and for polymers with reactive functional groups. Literally thousands of polymers have been made by this process. There are a number of short-comings to the process, most of which can be overcome by adjustment of the polymerization conditions. Polycarbonates and aromatic polyamides are reported to be prepared commercially by stirred interfacial processes. Another application is the encapsulation of pesticides, inks, and other materials. As to the future, the processes are a basic part of the chemist's tool kit and will continue to be used in the laboratory for rapid syntheses and for those polymers which are not obtained as readily by other means. The basic tests of commercial use of these processes, as with any other process, will be attainment of results not available by other routes, economic considerations, and safety and environmental factors.