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Polyolefin/polystyrene in situ compatibilization using Friedel–Crafts alkylation
Author(s) -
Sun YiJun,
Baker Warren E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4628(19970815)65:7<1385::aid-app17>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - compatibilization , polyolefin , materials science , copolymer , polymer chemistry , polystyrene , polymer , polyethylene , monomer , friedel–crafts reaction , polymer blend , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , composite material , chemistry , catalysis , layer (electronics) , engineering
Polyolefin/polystyrene (PS) blends are difficult to compatibilize using in situ reactive compatibilization techniques, because neither of these polymers has any functional groups that one can use in the formation of a copolymer from these polymer components. In this study, the Friedel–Crafts alkylation was realized in a polyethylene/PS (PE/PS) melt blend, which resulted in improved compatibility between PE and PS. A number of Lewis acid compounds were tested as catalysts, among which the AlCl 3 was the most efficient. It was found in this study that the presence of a cocatalyst, such as a cationically polymerizable monomer or a halogenated alkane, significantly enhances the formation of PE‐ g ‐PS copolymer. The effects of blending parameters, such as temperature and blending time, on the in situ copolymer formation were investigated. The mechanical properties of compatibilized PE/PS blends were improved considerably. Such an in situ compatibilization technique has potential in the recycling of mixed polymer wastes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 1385–1393, 1997