Solid-state modification of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) via grafting of styrene. I. Polymerization experiments

F. Picchioni, J.G.P. Goossens, M. Duin, van, P.C.M.M. Magusin

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42 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

ABSTRACT:Grafting of vinyl monomers onto isotacticpolypropylene (iPP)in the solid state,that is, below the melting point,displays several advantages over melt or solution grafting processes,such as negligible degradation of the iPP and absence of any solvent.The final properties of such iPP modi fications or actually compatibilized PP blends are dependent on the dispersion of the new polymer into the iPP matrix,which is controlled to a large extent by thedegree of grafting versus the amount of free homopolymer formed.In the present work,the solid-state modi fication of iPP by styrene has been investigated from the point of view of the monomer polymerization behavior.In order to determine the styrene conversion and the distribution of the newly formed PS phase along the radius of the iPP powder particles,the reaction products were characterized by infrared (FTIR)and Raman spectroscopy.Fractionation of the reaction products via selective solvent extraction allowed the determination of the grafting efficiency. It was shown that besides the grafted PS two additional types of PSare formed,that is,free PS homopolymer in the pores of the PP powder and free PS in the amorphous PP phase.Phishows an optimum as a function of the feed peroxide composition and the feeding rate.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3279-3291
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume89
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

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