Co‐agent mediated functionalization of LDPE/iPP mixtures for compatibilization of WEEE‐recovered polyvinylchloride

Abstract

AbstractMixtures of low density polyethylene/isotactic polypropylene (LDPE/iPP) 80/20 w/w were functionalized in the melt by using maleic anhydride (MAH) as the functionalizing agent, 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2,5‐dimethylhexane (L101) as the peroxide initiator and butyl 3‐(2‐furyl)propenoate (BFA) as a co‐agent suitable to prevent the degradation of iPP and to promote inter‐macromolecular reactions. The use of BFA was aimed at favouring the control of radical‐induced side reactions and the formation of interfacial graft copolymers. The functionalization degree and the modification of macromolecular architecture, which were evaluated by selective solvent extractions combined with IR, DSC and SEM analyses, were modulated by varying the L101/MAH/BFA ratio in the feed. The optimized product in terms of functionalization degree value and processability was successfully tested as compatibilizer in a polyolefin/polyvinylchloride mixture, where the polyvinylchloride component resulted from the management of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry