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

Downloads

Published

2011-09-30

Issue

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

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).

How to Cite

Effects of Particle Surface Area on Free-Radical Grafting of Low Density Polyethylene. (2011). Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 39(1), 9-15. https://www.piche.org.pk/journal/index.php/jpiche/article/view/43