A factorial design applied to polypropylene functionalization with maleic anhydride

Maleic anhydride functionalized PP was prepared in a melt-mixer according t o a factorial design. Two levels of maleic anhydride concentration (MA), di cumyl peroxide concentration (DCP), reaction time, and temperature were emp loyed, The isolated and interaction effects of these variables on the degre e of functionalization and molecular weights were analyzed. The products we re characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel per meation chromatography (GPC), titration, and torque measures. The reaction time showed no appreciable effect within the studied range (10 to 20 minute s); however, the other three factors showed significant main effects. MA an d temperature presented an important interaction effect on the degree of fu nctionalization and molecular weights. The highest degrees of functionaliza tion were found to be related to the smallest molecular weights.