Post-polymerization modification of polypropylene with different functional groups utilizing non-catalytic C–H insertion of sulfonyl azide

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the preparation of functionalized polypropylene (PP) with different functional groups, such as amino-, hydroxyl-, acetamido-, and carboxyl-groups, utilizing efficient C–H insertion capability of sulfonyl azide (SA) compounds with the functional groups. The reactive melt mixing of PP and the SA compounds was performed at temperatures determined by the decomposition temperatures of the SA groups, followed by purification processes to remove unreacted SA compounds, confirming the establishment of stable covalent linkages between the SA compounds and PP chains. Grafting efficiency (GE) values were determined using FT-IR spectroscopy, showcasing efficient grafting of the SA compounds onto PP chains with GE values ranging from 60 % to 70 %. Remarkably, SA compound with carboxyl functional group exhibited an exceptionally high GE value of ∼90 %, likely attributed to its electron-withdrawing carbonyl group. XRD analyses, thermal analyses, morphological analyses of cryogenically fractured modified PPs and mechanical property analyses revealed successful incorporation of SA compounds into PP chains with relatively low sensitivity of the crystal structure of the modified PPs to the incorporated SA compounds. Hydrophilicity assessments revealed improved paint adhesion capabilities of the modified PP surfaces, highlighting the potential for the tailored surface modification strategies to enhance material characteristics.