SYNTHESIS OF POLYPROPYLENE-GRAFT-POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) COPOLYMERSBY THE BORANE APPROACH

This paper describes new PP-g-PMMA copolymers which have an isotactic polypropylene (PP) backbone and several poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMM A) side chains. The chemistry involves a graft-from reaction using bor ane-containing polypropylene and oxygen. The oxidation reaction of the borane groups, such as alkyl-9-BBN, is selective and produces free ra dicals located at the ends of the side chains on polypropylene. These free radicals are effective initiators for the polymerization of methy l methacrylate. A broad range of PP-g-PMMA copolymers have been prepar ed without significant homopolymerization. The graft copolymers are us eful compatibilizers in i-PP/PMMA polymer blends.