Synthesis and kinetics of non-isothermal degradation of amide grafted high density polyethylene

The grafted structures from the reaction of high density polyethylene with maleic anhydride (PEgMA) was reacted further with 1,4-diaminobutane to synthesize amide grafted polyethylenes. Grafted amic-acids were partially converted to imide groups during the reaction. Grafted products were identified by titration, elemental analysis and FTIR. DSC analysis indicated that C_p for amide grafted product increased about 47% with respect to PEgMA, its crystallinity increased 50% with respect to PE and 18% with respect to PEgMA. Analysis of kinetics of degradation was performed by thermogravimetry; degradation kinetic parameters of these amide grafted products have not been evaluated or reported. The degradation of Amide grafted polyethylene is similar to HDPE but with smaller activation energy indicating that it is the most stable product. F_n and A_n kinetic models seemed more suitable than diffusion models.