Grafting onto polypropylene II. Solvent effect on graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile by preirradiation method

Acrylonitrile (AN) has been graft copolymerized onto isotactic polypropylene (IPP) by the preirradiation method using Co⁶⁰ as the source of gamma rays in the presence of ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, tert. butyl alcohol, and n-pentanol. Alcohols vary in their ability to influence grafting of AN onto IPP and the following reactivity order was found: n-pentanol > n-butanol > tert.-butanol > n-propanol > ethanol > isopropanol. An attempt has been made to explain the observed reactivity pattern shown by different alcohols. Thermal behavior of the graft copolymer has been compared with that of IPP and irradiated IPP and it was observed that grafted IPP is thermally more stable than IPP and irradiated IPP.     

Grafting copolymerization of N,N-dimethyacrylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) onto preirradiated polypropylene films

Grafting copolymerization of dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) onto preirradiated polypropylene (PP) films was studied. PP samples were irradiated by electron beam in air. The effects of co-solvent system of ethanol/water (EtOH/H₂O), absorbed dose, monomer concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the degree of grafting were determined. The grafted sample films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance mode (ATR).     

Radiation-induced graft copolymerization of mixtures of styrene and acrylamide onto cellulose acetate. I. Effect of solvents

The grafting of styrene and acrylamide, from both their binary and unitary systems, on cellulose acetate film was studied by means of the cobalt-60 postirradiation grafting technique. The extent of grafting was found to be dependent on preirradiation dose, reaction time, and temperature, and the optimum conditions were evaluated. The effect of solvents, e.g., water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and t-butanol were studied. The composition of the binary mixture as well as the nature of the alcohol used as the solvent were found to have a strong influence in modifying the course of grafting. Each component of the binary monomer mixture was found to sensitize the grafting of the other, when the former is present in relatively large concentration. The observed results are discussed in detail in terms of relative molecular reactivity and reactivity ratios.     

Modification of isotactic polypropylene film by radiation-induced graft copolymerization

In the present communication we report on the radiation induced grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto irradiated isotactic polypropylene film (IPP) by Peroxidation method to prepared grafted membrane (IPP-g-MMA). The radioactive isotope ⁶⁰Co was used as the source of gamma radiation. A plausible mechanism of grafting has been proposed. Optimum conditions pertaining to maximum percentage of grafting were evaluated as a function of different reaction parameters such as radiation dose, inhibitor concentration, monomer concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature respectively. Maximum percentage of grafting (85%) was obtained at [radiation dose] = 25 kGy, [inhibitor concentration] = 0.04 wt%, [MMA] = 6 wt%, [Reaction Temperature] = 60 °C in a [Reaction time] of 120 min. The evidence of grafted membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy method, Scanning electron microscopy which indicates that MMA has been grafted onto IPP. Hydrolysis of the grafted membranes in 1 N NaOH transformed ester groups of the grafted membranes to carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups to form hydrolyzed grafted membranes. Hydrolyzed grafted membranes were investigated for their swelling behavior. Swelling properties of the hydrolyzed grafted membranes were performed in different solvents such as water, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Maximum percentage swelling value of IPP-g-MMA was observed in pure DMSO, followed by DMF and water.     

Novel emulsion graft copolymerization onto the silylmethyl group of poly(dimethylsiloxane)

The influence of radical initiators upon the emulsion graft copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile onto poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was studied. As initiators, a series of peroxides and hydroperoxides were coupled with ferrous sulfate, among which the tert-butyl peroxylaurate system gave the highest grafting efficiency (30%). The tert-butyl peroxylaurate initiator fulfills the criteria for efficient radical grafting by generating only the tert-butoxy radical, which is reluctant to form a carbon radical via β-scission, being highly hydrophobic, and not carrying a tertiary hydrogen that may be abstracted by a radical. ¹³C-NMR analysis of the products showed that the grafting occurred on the silylmethyl groups of PDMS to give 10–25 grafts per polymer and graft ratio in the range 44–140%. The PDMS graft copolymers thus obtained could be used as surface-modifying agents to improve the lubricity and water-repellency of ABS [poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-graft-polybutadiene]. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 2607–2617, 1997     

Kinetics of radiation-induced graft polymerization of styrene onto poly(ethylene oxide)

The graft polymerization of styrene onto preirradiated poly(ethylene oxide) was studied. From the measurement of swelling of the polymer in various solvents the solubility parameter of poly(ethylene oxide) was estimated as 9.3. The kinetic analysis of the reaction indicated that the graft polymerization was diffusion controlled. Kinetic parameters of the reaction such as \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\int_0^t {R_i} dt,k_{p,} k_{tr}$\end{document}, and k_t were obtained in poly(ethylene oxide)-styrene system and compared with those in poly(isobutylene oxide)-styrene system.     

Graft copolymerization. I. Grafting of hydroxyalkyl methacrylates on poly(vinyl alcohol)

New graft copolymers were synthesized by grafting hydroxyethyl methacrylate and hydroxpropyl methacrylate on poly(vinyl alcohol) in aqueous solution with Ce⁺⁴ions as initiator. The dependence of the percentage of grafting and monomer conversion on the concentration of the monomer, on the concentration of the initiator, on the total concentration of the reactants, and on temperature and duration of the reaction were investigated. Some basic properties of the graft copolymers and some preliminary permeation measurements of water vapors through films, made from these copolymers, are also reported.     

Grafting onto wool. I. Ceric ion-initiated grafting of poly(methyl acrylate) onto wool

Poly(methyl acrylate) has been grafted onto wool by using ceric ion as redox initiator in an aqueous medium. Initiation by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) was carried out in the presence of nitric acid of varying concentration at 35, 45, and 50°C for a period of 1.5 or 3 hr. Percent grafting was found to be dependent on concentrations of acid and monomer, reaction time, and temperature. Above 45°C, a considerable amount of homopolymer was formed; at 35°C, very little grafting of poly(methyl acrylate) was observed. Nitric acid catalyzed the reaction and a concentration of 0.17–0.19M HNO₃ was found suitable.     

Cation-exchange membranes by radiation-induced graft copolymerization of monomers onto HDPE

Studies were made on preparation of the cation-exchange membranes obtained by pre-irradiation grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) onto high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and its properties such as swelling behavior and electric resistance were measured as a function of ion-exchange capacity (IEC). Thermal and chemical stability was also investigated. These properties were found to be mainly dependent on IEC. The grafted membranes possessed good electrochemical, thermal and chemical properties, and were found to be acceptable for practical use as cation-exchange membranes.     

Gamma radiation induced graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers onto poly(vinyl alcohol)

In an attempt to modify water-soluble synthetic polymers, graft Copolymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) and ethyl acrylate (EA) onto poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, has been studied by using gamma irradiation from a Co⁶⁰ source as initiator. The graft copolymerization was carried out in an aqueous medium by the mutual method in air. The effect of total dose and concentration of vinyl monomers on percentage of grafting has been determined. Water plays a significant role in the enhancement of graft copolymerization and the optimum amount of water to afford maximum grafting has been evaluated. The effect of CH₃OH on aqueous grafting of MMA and EA by radiation method has been studied. The graft copolymer has been characterized by IR spectroscopic and thermogravimetric methods.     

Effect of preswelling of polymers in radiation-induced graft copolymerization

The graft copolymerization of styrene onto preirradiated poly(isobutylene oxide) was studied. An alkyl radical, ? C(CH₃)₂? CH? O? , was mainly observed by the irradiation of preswelled poly(isobutylene oxide) in aerated methanol. Kinetic analysis of the graft copolymerization indicated that the preswelling influenced k_tr and k_t and did not influence of ∫ R_idt and k_p.     

Cationic graft copolymerization of styrene onto poly(vinyl chloride) initiated by phosphorus trichloride

The effect of some organic halides on the cationic polymerization of styrene (St) initiated by phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) was studied to clarify the initiation mechanism on the cationic polymerization. Addition of organic halides caused an acceleration to some extent. Further, cationic graft copolymerization of St onto poly(vinyl chloride) and polychloroprene was carried out. In each case, grafting efficiency was lower than 10%. These results in the cationic polymerization of St by PCl₃ in nitrobenzene support the assumption that the initiation step is caused by the dissociation of two molecules of PCl₃ to ion pairs.     

Solvent effects on the radiation-induced graft polymerization of styrene onto poly(isobutylene oxide)

The graft polymerization of styrene onto preirradiated poly(isobutylene oxide) (PIBO) with methanol and benzene was studied. The order of grafting yield and of the number-average molecular weight of graft chains decrease in the order; undiluted styrene > styrene–methanol (1:1) solution > styrene–benzene (1:1) solution. A kinetic treatment to calculate rate constants from the rate of grafting and the molecular weight of the graft chain was proposed. The propagation rate constant k_p was 0.2–0.3 l./mole-sec and the termination rate constant k_t was 1.0–16.0 l./mole-sec. The ratio k_p/k_t in this heterogeneous system was larger than that in homogeneous system by a factor of about 10⁴–10⁵.     

Grafting onto cellulose. VIII. Graft copolymerization of poly(ethylacrylate) onto cellulose by use of redox initiators. Comparison of initiator reactivities

In an attempt to compare the relative reactivities of different redox systems in graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers onto cellulose, we studied grafting of ethylacrylate (EA) in aqueous medium by using the well-known redox intiator, ferrous ammonium sulfate–potassium persulfate (FAS–KPS) system, and its reactivity was compared with that of Fenton's reagent (Fe²⁺ ?H₂O₂) towards grafting of EA onto cellulose. Optimum conditions for affording maximum grafting were evaluated and percent grafting is expressed as functions of different reaction variables. Evidence of grafting was obtained from IR spectroscopic measurements, SEM, and TGA studies of the grafted and ungrafted cellulose. A plausible explanation for the observed reactivity pattern shown by (FAS–KPS) and (FAS–H₂O₂) redox systems is offered. Fenton's reagent (Fe²⁺ ?H₂O₂) was found to be several times more reactive than (FAS–KPS) redox system.     

Kinetic studies of the radiation-induced graft polymerization of butadiene onto poly(vinyl chloride) powder

The radiation-induced graft polymerization of butadiene onto poly(vinyl chloride) powder was studied. By the kinetic treatment of elementary reactions the values of k_p and k_t[Z] of the graft polymerization were obtained. The activation energy of the propagation was calculated as 16.0 kcal mole^?1. The value of k_p was proportional of the 0.42 power of the dose rate and that of k_t[Z] was proportional to the 0.84 power of the dose rate.     

Grafting onto wool. III. Graft copolymerization of poly(vinyl acetate) by use of fenton's reagent as initiator

In an attempt to modify fibrous protein, poly(vinyl acetate) has been graft copolymerized onto Himachali wool in an aqueous medium by using Fenton's reagent as redox initiator. Graft copolymerizations were carried out at 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45°C for a period of 3 hr. Percentage grafting was found to be dependent upon reaction temperature, concentration of monomers, and the molar ratio of [H₂O₂]/[Fe⁺²]. Maximum grafting occurred at 45°C with a molar ratio of [H₂O₂]/[Fe⁺²] = 1.43. A small amount of grafting (2.6–2.8%) occurred when grafting was effected at 45°C in the presence of Fe⁺² alone.     

Effect of crystallinity on radiation-induced graft copolymerization on cellulose

With vinyl monomers, viz., styrene, butyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate, it was noted that higher per cent grafting was obtained with “recrystallized” cellulose than with “amorphous” cellulose. The possibility of the production of a porous structure in cellulose as a result of γ-irradiation followed by the dissolution of the reactive regions is suggested. DTA and DTG data of irradiated cellulose triacetate (CTA) reveal lowering of the melting point on irradiation, indicating a decrease in crystallinity. Decrease in density of cellulose on irradiation by γ-rays also indicates loosening of the structure of cellulose. It is postulated that grafting occurs in those regions of cellulose which were crystalline before irradiation, as well as in less crystallinie regions.     

Electron spin resonance studies on graft copolymerization of gaseous styrene onto preirradiated polypropylene. I. Preirradiation in the presence of oxygen

Graft copolymerization of gaseous styrene was carried out onto polypropylene preirradiated in the presence of oxygen at ?78°C and at room temperature, respectively. The origin of the graft initiation activities of these polymers was investigated by means of electron spin resonance (ESR) of trapped radicals. More grafting was found for the polymers irradiated at ?78°C than for those irradiated at room temperature. The difference of grafting between polymers irradiated at ?78°C and those irradiated at room temperature was not explained by the total amounts of trapped radicals, and it was found that all radicals are not effective in the grafting reaction. ESR measurements showed that there exist two kinds of peroxy radicals, one has more effective ability of abstracting hydrogen atoms from the surrounding polymer chains to form carbon radicals, and another is less effective at the temperature of grafting reaction (40°C). Although the samples irradiated at ?78°C contain the both types of radicals, those irradiated at room temperature do not contain the former type of radicals. It was shown that the carbon radicals produced by such a hydrogen abstraction reaction are actually the effective centers in the grafting reaction of polymers irradiated in the presence of oxygen.     

Grafting onto wool. XXV. Effect of acids on γ-radiation-induced graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto wool fiber

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto Himachali wool fiber has been investigated in aqueous medium by using γ irradiation from a 2100 Ci⁶⁰CO source as means of initiation. Graft copolymerization was carried out by the mutual method in nitrogen atmosphere as well as in air. Effect of mineral acids and acetic acid on percentage of grafting was studied. Percentage of grafting was determined as functions of total dose, concentration of monomer, and concentration of acids. Maximum percentage of grafting in the presence of acids occurred in nitrogen atmosphere at a total dose of 1.05 MR. All the acids were found to influence grafting and the reactivity of different acids towards graft copolymerization was found to follow the order: H₂SO₄ > HCl > HNO₃ > HC1O₄ > HOAc. An attempt has been made to explain the reactivity order of different acids in the light of the mechanism proposed for γ-irradiation-induced graft copolymerization of vinyl monomer onto wool fiber.     

Vapor-phase graft copolymerization of binary solid monomers onto poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) film by ultraviolet irradiation

Vapor-phase graft copolymerizations of acenaphthylene–maleimide or acenaphthylene–maleic anhydride binary solid monomers onto poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) films were carried out under ultraviolet irradiation. The extent of sorption of single or binary monomers increased with the increasing vinyl acetate content in the backbone polymers. The sorbed binary monomers were mainly composed of acenaphthylene, but the maleimide or maleic anhydride fraction increased with the increasing vinyl acetate content of the films and the composition was little affected by surface hydrolysis. In all series of graft polymerization of single or binary monomers the overall extent of grafting increased with the vinyl acetate content and was suppressed by the surface hydrolysis of the backbone film. The composition of the grafted copolymer, however, differed markedly, depending on the combination of binary monomers. The grafted copolymer in the acenaphthylene–maleimide system was composed mainly of acenaphthylene units, whereas that in the acenaphthylene–maleic anhydride system was composed mainly of maleic anhydride units. The results were compared with those of γ-ray grafting, and it was suggested that the contribution of a direct supply of monomers from vapor phase and the existence of an acetoxy group on the surface of the film should play an important role in the grafting reaction.