ABSTRACT
The term polycarbonate applies to several types of polymeric materials, which contain carbonate linkages (Scheme 10.1). Although their chemistry has similarities to polyesters, polycarbonates are easier to prepare with phenolic building blocks, which yield higher thermal stability, higher rigidity, and higher glass transitions. Several types of polycarbonates are possible:
• Carbonate-based polyols used for polyurethanes, which are not covered in this chapter. • Aliphatic polycarbonates: prepared with similar synthesis methods as aromatic polycar-
bonates but based on aliphatic building blocks. Though these were not common, they appear to be gaining in signicance.
