Abstract
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer was grafted onto low density polyethylene by the direct method of radiation grafting. The effect of cohesive energy density of different organic solvents on the degree of grafting was investigated. It was found that the extent of grafting depends largely on the kind of solvent, in which the highest degree of grafting was achieved in the presence of dioxane, whereas the lowest degree of grafting occurred in the presence of methanol. This behaviour was attributed to the solubility parameters of the solvent, monomer and polymer. The change in structure of the LDPE graft copolymer films was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV/vis absorption and thermogravimetric analysis. The X-ray diffraction results showed a decrease in the crystallinity of LDPE graft copolymer matrix at high degree of grafting. Studies were made on the UV-absorption edge, and indirect allowed transitions with their optical energy gaps are determined. At the same time the Urbach energy was evaluated. The activation energy of the thermal decomposition was calculated according to Horowitz and Metzger method.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.