GB857797A - Process for the production of polymeric materials - Google Patents

Abstract

Segmented polymers, i.e. graft and block copolymers and branched chain homopolymers, are produced by a process in which a normally solid thermoplastic high polymer is masticated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature below 170 DEG C. whereby peroxy groups are formed in the polymer and is subsequently subjected to conditions causing the decomposition of peroxy groups in the presence of a monomeric compound containing one or more olefinic double bonds and capable of polymerization under the influence of free radicals, this step being carried out in the absence of a concentration of oxygen which would otherwise inhibit the polymerization. Preformed polymers specified are polythene, polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl and polyvinylidene chlorides, polytrifluorochloroethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethyl and polybutyl acrylates, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl pyridines, poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, interpolymers of butadiene with styrene, acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate, polyethylene glycols, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyureas, polysulphonamides, polysiloxanes, natural rubber, cyclised rubber, rubber hydrochloride, chlorinated rubber, gutta percha, and cellulose esters, ethers and acetals. Monomeric compounds specified are acrylic and methacrylic acids and their methyl, ethyl and n-butyl esters, 2-ethoxyethyl and 2-chloroethyl methacrylates, ethylene dimethacrylate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, n-butyl acrylamide vinyl and vinylidene chlorides, methyl vinyl and methyl isopropenyl ketones, styrene, vinyl toluenes, vinyl toluene sulphonic acids, divinyl benzene, acenaphthalene, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyridines, vinyl carbazole, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, butadiene, isoprene and chloroprene. Polymerization may be induced by the action of heat, ultra-violet light or reducing agents which are preferably used in an aqueous phase in which the monomeric compound is dispersed or dissolved, suitable agents of this type being sulphites, bisulphites, phenyl sulphinic acid, phenylhydrazine, thio-beta-naphthol which may be used in conjunction with iron salts and sodium pyrophosphate, fructose in the presence of ferrous ions and polyamines. The examples describe the polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of peroxidised polythene and polypropylene, and styrene in the presence of peroxidised polythene. In an Example (7) it is stated that the products formed by polymerizing styrene with peroxidised polythene may be given ion-exchange properties by sulphonation with sulphuryl chloride. Specification 857,798 is referred to.