Solvent influence on the radical grafting of maleic anhydride on low density polyethylene

✍ Scribed by A. Priola; R. Bongiovanni; G. Gozzelino

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 260 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0014-3057
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-3057(94)90197-x

✦ Synopsis

The maleinisation of LDPE in various aromatic solvents in the presence of radical initiators was studied. A strong influence of the solvent on the reaction was observed and attributed mainly to the presence of benzylic hydrogens in the solvent molecule. It was confirmed that, during the polymer maleinisation, the benzylic hydrogens take part in the reaction with MA. The pure xylene isomers were investigated as solvents and the MA content in the polymer was found to depend on the kind of isomer employed as a solvent in the order:

Under these conditions, most of the reacted MA is linked with the solvent molecules. Using solvents free of benzylic hydrogens (t-butylbenzene or o-dichlorobenzene) all the reacted MA is linked with the polymer. Working in the same solvents but under more severe conditions, intermolecular coupling reactions occur, giving rise to gelled polymers. GPC analysis of LDPE maleinise d in xYlene solution shows a MWD similar to that of the initial polymer.