SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PP-G-BUTYL ACRYLATE COPOLYMERS

Butyl acrylate was grafted onto isotactic polypropylene using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator and toluene as a solvent. Effects of various parameters such as monomer and initiator concentration, reaction time and temperature on rates of polymerization, percentage grafting and gr afting efficiency were studied. The extent of grafting achieved was 2- 85%. The graft copolymers were characterized by IR, thermal, viscometr ic and contact-angle studies. Improved thermal stability and decreased intrinsic viscosity and critical surface tension were observed for gr aft copolymers.