| Abstract: | The production of a polymer containing basic functional groups via the reactive processing of polyethylene was investigated. Grafting of dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate, DMAEMA, to linear low-density polyethylene in the melt was carried out, and the effects of initiator type, feed composition, and reaction time and temperature were studied. The extent of grafting was determined by Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the degree of cross-linking was observed by measuring the products' melt indices. Thermal stability of the product was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. Materials containing up to 3 wt% of grafted DMAEMA were prepared. The choice of appropriate feed compositions and reaction conditions allows the production of a material containing the maximum amount of grafted DMAEMA, while minimizing cross-linking. The grafted polyethylene produced under these conditions is more stable than the starting material, suggesting an antioxidant effect of the grafted moieties. The functional polymer produced should be of interest for the preparation of polymer blends with acidic polymers by virtue of the miscibility enhancement that could occur as compared with the hydrocarbon precursor. |
