Poly(styrene-graft-isobutylene) (PS-graft-PIB) and poly(styrene-graft-chlor
obutyl) (PS-graft-Cl-IIR) have been synthesized by the grafting of PIB and
C1-IIR onto polystyrene waste in conjunction with AICI(3)/HC1 as catalyst.
The grafting efficiency (GE) and overall graft composition have been studie
d. The synthesized graft polymers were purified and characterized by IR and
H-1 NMR analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scannin
g calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the thermal characteristics of the g
raft. It is shown that the grafting induces better thermal stability for po
lystyrene. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.