Synthesis of PP- g -PIP and properties of PP/PP- g -PIP binary blends

The polypropylene-graft-polyisoprene (PP- g -PIP) copolymers with different side chain length were synthesized by the combination of solid phase graft and anionic polymerization. The copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum ( 1 H-NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Five PP/PP- g -PIP blends with PP- g -PIP as a flexibilizer to toughen PP were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), DSC, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Their morphologies, glass transition temperatures, crystallinity and mechanical properties were investigated. All the results pointed out that the covalent bonding of PP and PIP increased the compatibility and interfacial adhesion, which led to PIP well dispersed in the system and small size PIP particles in the binary blends. In addition, the toughness of PP was improved while its tensile strength slightly decreased.