Functionalisation of Polypropylene with Maleic Anhydride and Acrylic Acid for Compatibilising Blends of Polypropylene with Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

This paper reports an investigation of the functionalisation of polypropylene with polar monomers as an interfacial stabiliser for mixtures of poly-olefins with polyesters. Polypropylene was functionalised with maleic anhydride and acrylic acid in the presence of dicumyl peroxide. The reaction was carried out in the molten state using a preheated batch Haake Rheometer mixer under conditions which were expected from literature studies to be optimal. The effects of varying the concentrations of the monomers on the degree of functionalisation and properties of the products were investigated. An upper limit of only a few per cent of functionalisation was observed. Slow degradation was observed at melt processing temperatures.