MODIFICATION OF PROPERTIES BY FREE-RADICA L COPOLYMERIZATION OF CHLOROPRENE

In order to modify polychloroprene it was tested to change properties, e.g decrease cristallinity and rate of cristallization without loss o f rubber elasticity and increase thermostability, colorability and if possible also adhesion, through copolymerization of chloroprene with s mall amounts of comonomer (5 to 10 wt.-%). Comonomers are acceptor sys tems with cyclic imide (maleic imides) and anhydride structures (malei c acid anhydride, itaconic acid anhydride and citraconic acid anhydrid e) as well as their acids. The properties of these copolymers are comp ared with the homopolymer and the copolymers of chloropren with vinyl acetate and methyl methacrylate.