XPS characterization of Friedel-Crafts cross-linked polystyrene

The combination of a difunctional alkylating agent, either hydroxymethylben zyl chloride or alpha,alpha'-dichloroxylene with polystyrene or high-impact polystyrene together with a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, 2-ethylhexyldiphenylp hosphate, and an amine to react with hydrogen chloride has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results confirm what had been suggest ed from previous investigations using thermogravimetric analysis; cross-lin king of the polymer occurs as the temperature is raised and the alcohol-con taining alkylating agent gives a greater amount of cross-linking than does the dichloro compound. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.