Free-Radical Graft Copolymerization of Polar Monomers on Low-Density Polyethylene Under Melt-Processing Conditions

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Abstract
Free-radical graft co polymerization of acrylic acid and ethyl methacrylate on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was studied under simulated melt-processing conditions. Initiators benzoyl peroxide and dicumyl peroxide were evaluated for their grafting efficiency. Benzoyl peroxide was found to be an excellent catalyst for the grafting of both monomers, whereas dicumyl peroxide was quite ineffective. Effect of reaction time, initiator concentration, and reaction temperature was studied for benzoyl peroxide initiated graft co polymerization of the two monomers. The changes in the torque and temperature of the reaction melt in the course of the reaction were recorded. More or less quantitative grafting of both monomers could be achieved, using low initiator concentrations, in very short reaction times. The possibility of modifying LDPE during melt extrusion in the extruder itself has been clearly demonstrated. This would be a highly cost-effective way of diversifying the properties and applications of LDPE. Cross linking was found to be relatively higher in the graft co polymerization of acrylic acid but within acceptable limits. Possible mechanisms of this are discussed.

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