The Functionalization of Polyolefins by Using Reactive Intermediates

Abstract

Despite the commercial successes of polyolefins [1], the lack of compatibility with other materials has limitted some of their end uses. Accordingly, the chemical modification of polyolefins has been an area of increasing interest as a route to higher value products, and various methods of functionalization [2–4] have been employed to alter their chemical and physical properties. An established technique for improving the interfacial interaction between polymers and other materials is the use of block and graft copolymers as compatibilizers [5,6]. Unfortunately, the chemistry to prepare polyolefin graft and block copolymers are also very limited. Numerous methods have been employed in forming graft copolymers with polyolefins. Ionizing radiation (x-ray, γ-rays, and e-beams), ozone, uv with accelerators, and free radical initiators in the presence of monomers [7,8] have all been used to form graft copolymers. Typically, these high energy reactions lead to side reactions such as crosslinking and chain cleavage resulting in diminished mechanical properties. In most cases, the structure and composition of copolymers are difficult to controlled with the considerable amounts of ungrafted homopolymers.