Chlorinated atactic polypropylene as a plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract

AbstractAtactic polypropylene, a byproduct obtained in the manufacture of isotactic polypropylene, has been chlorinated under various reaction conditions. The chlorination reaction is reasonably fast so as to give a product of 53‐43% chlorine content in 3 h. The chlorinated product has been incorporated in poly(viny1 chloride) formulations with a view to study its plasticizing activity. Generally this type of compound acts only as a secondary plasticizer; hence it has been used in combination with di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthdate, a primary plasticizer. Different proportions of these two plasticizers have been added to poly(vinyl chloride) resin to obtain a series of formulations. These compounds were evaluated, and it appears that the addition of chlorinated atactic polypropylene (APPC) helps in easy processing and increases the throughput. The increasing concentration of APPC showed an upward trend in die head pressure and torque indicating an increase in melt viscosity. The results of physical properties evaluation show that APPC acts as a reinforcing agent and also imparts permanence to the plasticizers.