Polypropylene derivatives

The paper brings a brief survey of the direct chemical methods for preparat ion of polypropylene (PP) derivatives, using mostly peroxides, UV or gamma irradiation and, in some cases, also strong acidic reagents for formation o f precursors of binding the functional groups or side chains on the PP back bone. By this means, sulfonated, chlorinated, carboxylated, hydroperoxidate d PP as the examples of functionalized PP's, can be prepared. As examples o f binding side chains to the PP, the grafting of PP with unsaturated monome rs like styrene, methyl methacrylate, acrylates, maleic anhydride, and its derivatives are described. The application of PP derivatives and their impo rtance in preparation of polymer blends and composites is illustrated.