Polymer processing grafting effectiveness

Bettini, S.H.R. and AgneUi, J.A.M. 1999. Grafting of maleic anhydride onto polypropylene by reactive processing. I. Effect of maleic anhydride and peroxide concentrations on the reaction. J Appl Polym Sci. 

A new process to develop interface vulcanization is grafting of selective accelerators onto a polymer chain, which in the subsequent process of vulcanization acts as an effective cure accelerator for the second polymer component in the blend. Beniska et al. [6] prepared SERFS blends where the polystyrene phase was grafted with the accelerator for curing SBR. Improved hardness, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance were obtained. Blends containing modified polystyrene and rw-1,4-polybutadiene showed similar characteristics as SBS triblock copolymers. 

Ionizing radiation is unselective and has its effect on the monomer, the polymer, the solvent, and any other substances present in the system. The radiation sensitivity of a substrate is measured in terms of its G value or free radical yield G(R). Since radiation-induced grafting proceeds by generation of free radicals on the polymer as well as on the monomer, the highest graft yield is obtained when the free radical yield for the polymer is much greater than that for the monomer. Hence, the free radical yield plays an important role in grafting process [85]. 

Tethering may be a reversible or an irreversible process. Irreversible grafting is typically accomplished by chemical bonding. The number of grafted chains is controlled by the number of grafting sites and their functionality, and then ultimately by the extent of the chemical reaction. The reaction kinetics may reflect the potential barrier confronting reactive chains which try to penetrate the tethered layer. Reversible grafting is accomplished via the self-assembly of polymeric surfactants and end-functionalized polymers [59]. In this case, the surface density and all other characteristic dimensions of the structure are controlled by thermodynamic equilibrium, albeit with possible kinetic effects. In this instance, the equilibrium condition involves the penalties due to the deformation of tethered chains. 

When the photostabilization of a polymer material is to be obtained through such a surface treatment process, it is all important to make sure that the protective effect will last throughout the service life and therefore to ensure a long-term adhesion of the coating onto the substrate. This can be best achieved by promoting a grafting reaction between the two elements (20). For that purpose, the photoinitiator was partly incorporated in the top layer of the PVC plate by a surface treatment with an acetone solution. Upon UV-irradiation of the resin-coated sample, the following reactions are expected to occur ... 

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