Process For Producing Polyoxymethylene Polymers With Long-Chain Alkyl End Groups, and Polymers Made Therefrom

A polyoxymethylene polymer is disclosed that contains long-chain alkyl end groups. The polyoxymethylene polymer may be formed by using a Bis-alkylformal as a chain transfer agent during production of the polymer. In one embodiment, the Bis-alkylformal is dissolved in a monomer, such as trioxane, during production of the polymer. In one embodiment, a branching agent may also be present with one or more monomers for producing a branched polyoxymethylene polymer. In this manner, greater amounts of alkyl end groups can be incorporated into the polymer. The resulting polymer has excellent flow characteristics. The polymer may be used to form various molded articles with excellent tribological properties.