Effects of Particle Surface Area on Free-Radical Grafting of Low Density Polyethylene

Authors

  • Muhammad Sarfraz University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore
  • Syed Mughees Asghar University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore
  • Ghulam Mustafa Mamoor University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore
  • Asif Ali Qaiser University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Keywords:

Polyethylene, Free Radical, Grafting, FTIR, DSC, MFI

Abstract

To improve its surface functionality, monomers containing functional groups such as methacrylic acid and styrene were grafted on low density polyethylene (LDPE). The co-monomers were immobilized on the LDPE chains by free-radical grafting initiated by benzoyl peroxide. Various particle sizes of LDPE were used to investigate the effects of surface area of base LDPE on the grafting extent and resultant properties of the copolymer. The grafted LDPE was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, differential scanning calorimetry and melt flow index measurement. FTIR spectra showed the successful grafting of methacrylic acid and styrene on LDPE chains. The melting transition temperature and mechanical properties increased due to the incorporation of functional side chains on LDPE. This study also shows the significant effect of the particle size of base LDPE on the grafting extent and resultant properties of the copolymer.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Sarfraz, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Lecturer at the Department of Polymer & Process Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Syed Mughees Asghar, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Professor at the Department of Polymer & Process Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Ghulam Mustafa Mamoor, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Professor at the Department of Polymer & Process Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Asif Ali Qaiser, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

Assistant Professor at the Department of Polymer & Process Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore

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Published

2011-09-30

How to Cite

Sarfraz, M., Asghar, S. M., Mamoor, G. M., & Qaiser, A. A. (2011). Effects of Particle Surface Area on Free-Radical Grafting of Low Density Polyethylene. Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 39(1), 9–15. Retrieved from http://piche.org.pk/journal/index.php/jpiche/article/view/43

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2011): Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers

Section

Articles

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