Fractionation effects of polystyrene on acylation reaction and their adhesive and corrosive properties

Abstract

First, polystyrene (PS) was fractionated using solvent-precipitation methods; then the chemical modification of PS was investigated in the presence of Lewis acid [BF3·O(C2H5)2] catalyst with some anhydrides such as phthalic anhydride, glutaric anhydride, maleic anhydride, and propionic anhydride. The amount of the polyfunctional groups bonded to polymer structures changed depending on the molecular weight of the polymer, and more functional groups connected to the highest-molecular-weight fraction. The amount of the bonded functional groups was determined with the chemical analysis method. The structures of PS functionalized with anhydrides were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, and thermogravimetric studies. Their adhesion capability and corrosion resistance against metals have been investigated under various conditions. The results showed that the addition of functional groups to PS increases its adhesion capability and corrosion resistance. This increase is attributed to the quantity of the functional groups bonded to PS.