Polypropylene functionalization with vinyltriethoxysilane

Polypropylene (PP) functionalization with vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) was a ccomplished via a free radical process in a melt-mixer chamber, using dicum yl peroxide as the initiator. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR ), Rutherford Back scattering Spectrometry (RBS), and gel permeation chroma tography (GPC) were used to follow silane incorporation and product molecul ar weights. The influence of silane (0-10.0 wt %) and peroxide (0-1.0 wt %) concentrations on the functionalization degree and molecular weight of pro ducts was investigated. Chain-breaking reactions were present in all experi ments, evidenced by smaller product molecular weights. This decrease was mo re pronounced for higher peroxide concentrations. Silane incorporation occu rred even in peroxide absence, and it was seen to increase with increasing silane concentration. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.