Copolymerization of polypropylene and functionalized linear α‐olefin onto glass fibers

This work deals with a novel glass fiber surface modification and subsequent metallocenic propylene polymerization onto it. Experimental results are presented on methylaluminoxane (MAO) fixation at the fiber surface, followed by propylene–α‐olefin graft copolymerization catalyzed by EtInd₂ZrCl₂/MAO. First results indicate that part of the produced polymer is chemically bonded to the glass fiber. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray disperse energy microanalysis characterization confirm the permanence of a thin polymer layer as well as aluminum and oxygen (from the MAO) on the glass surface, even after a severe solvent extraction treatment. From these results, the copolymerization of hydroxy‐α‐olefin, grafted on MAO pretreated glass fiber, is foreseen as a possible way to improve fiber–matrix adhesion in glass fiber thermoplastic composites. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1266–1276, 2001