A process for preparing an end-capped polycarbonate comprises melt reacting an aromatic dihydroxy compound, a carbonic acid diester, and optionally a catalyst in a prepolymerization vessel to form a polycarbonate product; transferring the polycarbonate product from the prepolymerization vessel; mixing the polycarbonate product with an end-capping agent under hermetic seal at a pressure of at least about 760 mm Hg; and transferring the polycarbonate product and end-capping agent mixture to a postpolymerization vessel to endcap the polycarbonate product. An apparatus for preparing an end-capped polycarbonate comprises a prepolymerization vessel having and inlet and an outlet; a postpolymerization vessel having an inlet and an outlet; a mixer in fluid communication with the outlet of the prepolymerization vessel and the inlet of the postpolymerization vessel; and a charging port through which an end-capping agent is charged to the mixer, wherein the mixer is hermetically sealed at greater than or equal to 760 mm Hg.
A method of preparing a polycarbonate resin having improved thermal stability is provided. The method includes: mixing polycarbonate having hydroxy terminal groups and a end terminator, a compound of formula (1) (refer to the detailed description section) at normal temperature and pressure to obtain a mixture; and performing a melt reaction on the mixture at 250-320.degree. C. and reduced pressure to highly reduce the final concentration of the hydroxy terminal groups of the polycarbonate resin.
