Volume 134, Issue 36 45270
Article

RAFT-mediated graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate in emulsion from polyethylene/polypropylene initiated with γ-radiation

Jordan F. Madrid

Corresponding Author

Jordan F. Madrid

Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Quezon, 1101 Philippines

Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, 376-8515 Japan

Correspondence to: J. F. Madrid (E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected])Search for more papers by this author
Yuji Ueki

Yuji Ueki

Research Project Environmental Polymer, Quantum Beam Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Watanuki-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma, 370-1292 Japan

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Lucille V. Abad

Lucille V. Abad

Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Quezon, 1101 Philippines

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Takeshi Yamanobe

Takeshi Yamanobe

Division of Molecular Science, Gunma University, Kiryu, Gunma, 376-8515 Japan

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Noriaki Seko

Noriaki Seko

Research Project Environmental Polymer, Quantum Beam Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Watanuki-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma, 370-1292 Japan

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First published: 04 June 2017
Citations: 11

ABSTRACT

The successful reversible addition-fragmentation (RAFT)-mediated graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in emulsion phase from polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric using 4-cyano-4-[(phenylcarbonothioyl)thio]pentanoic acid under γ-irradiation at ambient condition is reported. While conventional graft polymerization in emulsion phase yielded grafted materials with low of grafting (Dg) values [<7.5% at 10% (wt/wt) GMA], addition of RAFT agent to the graft polymerization system allowed the synthesis of polyethylene/polypropylene-g-poly(GMA) with more tunable Dg (8% ≤ Dg ≤ 94%) by controlling the grafting parameters. Relatively good control (PDI ∼1.2 for selected grafting conditions) during polymerization was attained at 100:1 monomer-to-RAFT agent molar ratio. The number average molecular weight of free poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) increased as a function of monomer conversion. NMR analyses of the free PGMA homopolymers indicate the presence of dithiobenzoate group from 4-cyano-4-((phenylcarbonothioyl)thio) pentanoic acid on the polymer chain. The reactive pendant oxirane group of the grafted GMA can be modified for various environmental and industrial applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45270.

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