Physical properties of PP-g-AA prepared by melt extrusion and its effects on mechanical properties of PP

Polypropylene grafting with acrylic acid, PP-g-AA (FPP), was prepared by me lt extrusion. The physical properties of FPP and effect of FPP on mechanica l properties of polypropylene (PP) were investigated. Experimental results showed that an increase in the grafting rate of FPP resulted in an increase in the crystallization peak temperature, melt peak temperature, and degree of crystallization of PP. Double melting peaks were observed for OPP prepa red by adding dicumyl peroxide into PP and FPP with low grafting rate due t o the degradation of PP. As the grafting rate was increased, the double mel t peaks converted into a single melt peak. It is suggest that FPP with high er grafting rate resulted in enhanced nucleation and crystallization abilit y of PP. The grafting of AA onto the PP chain improved the thermal stabilit y and mechanical properties of PP materials. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, In c.