Silane cross‐linking of PVC. I. Grafting of mercaptoalkylalkoxysilanes onto PVC: Properties of the grafted and cross‐linked product

The reaction of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilanes yielded silane‐grafted PVC that can be cross‐linked by the hydrolytic mechanism. The grafting of the silanes on the plasticized and unplasticized PVC was carried out at 180° C during processing in the presence of basic lead‐containing stabilizers. The reaction is favorably affected by the presence of plasticizers and lubricants containing polar, preferably ester, groups. The silane‐grafted and cross‐linked polymers have satisfactory thermal stability. The results of strength measurements at elevated temperatures after cross‐linking by water indicate that the material obtained has greatly improved parameters that are suitable for a number of applications.