Synthesis of a [60] fullerene—Functionalized isotactic polypropylene derivative

The covalent attachment of [60] fullerene (C₆₀) to isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) is achieved by direct reaction in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene (TCB) solution in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The chemically modified pendant C₆₀/i‐PP polymers are soluble in chlorinated solvents and have been characterized by ultraviolet–visible and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, cyclic voltametry, and thermogravimetric analysis. From the results it can be concluded that the modification of i‐PP by grafting via a free‐radical reaction competes with the possibility of chain scission of i‐PP due to the presence of DCP. The functionalized polymers crystallize in the monoclinic crystal modification, and have high crystallinity. The incorporation of C₆₀ significantly enhances the thermal stability of the i‐PP. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate good electron acceptor properties of the fullerenated i‐PP samples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6722–6733, 2008