Titanate repolymerization effect

Table 5.3, extracted from the European Patent application repolymerization [28], shows the beneficial effects of titanates on most properties of ABS, PC, PP, and PS thermoplastics. As an additional example. Figure 5.6 shows the repolymerization effect of 0.2% LICA 12 on a 50/50 blend of LDPE and PP after six thermal cycles through a twin-screw extruder. The melt index of the control blend without titanate climbs from 17 to 38, while the value for the blend with titanate is only 24 this indicates a significant decrease in chain-scission due to the titanate. 

Table 5.3 Repolymerization effect of various neoalkoxy titanates and zirconates on the mechanical properties of unfilled ABS, PC, PP, and PS thermoplastics.

Minor amounts of thermally stable neoalkoxy titanate and zirconate additives may provide a means for postreactor, in situ metallocene-like repolymerization catalysis of a filled or unfilled polymer during the plasticization phase. This may result in the creation of metallocene-like (titanocene or zirconocene) behavior associated with effects such as increased composite strain to failure resulting in increased impact toughness or enhanced polymer foamabUity. Other effects to be discussed below with specific examples are related to enhanced processability, reduced polymer chain scission, shortened polymer recrystallization time, and compatibilization of dissimilar polymers. 

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