Whiskers. VIII. A convenient synthesis of poly(4-hydroxybenzoate) whiskers and their application in composites of nylon-6

Whiskers of poly(4-hydroxybenzoate) [poly(4-HBA)] were prepared by polycondensation of free 4-hydroxybenzoic acid with acetic anhydride and pyridine in a high boiling inert solvent. The purity of the monomer is decisive for the success of the synthesis. For a less pure 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, the preparation of acetylated oligomers with acetylchloride, followed by polycondensation of the isolated oligomers is a suitable alternative. Whiskers, with a solid-solid phase transition at 364°C were obtained, which is the highest temperature reported for this transition so far. Two batches of composites were prepared from nylon-6 using polyester whiskers with an alkaline or an acidic surface treatment. A third batch was prepared using poly(ester-amide) whiskers. The mechanical properties of these composites indicate that the surface treatment does not play any role, and that the poly(esteramide)s are inferior to the polyester whiskers, because they are not single crystals. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.