MODIFICATION OF POLYPROPYLENE BY MALEIC-ANHYDRIDE - STUDY ON THE REACTION CONDITIONS USING A BATCH PROCESS

The Box-Wilson experimental design method is employed to study the fre e radical process between polypropylene and maleic anhydride in the pr esence of a peroxide like radical initiator. The batch processes in th e solution and in the molten state have been considered in an attempt to know how the physical characteristics of the reaction medium are af fecting the modification level of the polypropylene. The analytical ti tration method proposed by Gaylord is used in order to evaluate the ma leic anhydride grafting onto the polypropylene. The main goal of this preliminary study is to know and to show the quantitative values reach ed in the grafted maleic anhydride level inside the experimental range scanned. From the results the influence of the reaction and several o bservations can be made in order to evaluate and finally optimize the continuous process by reactive extrusion.