Grafting of Acrylamide to Low Density Polyethylene During Melt Processing

Abstract

Acrylamide was grafted in low density polyethylene during melt processing in the presence of a free radical initiator using a torque rheometer in a closed system. Effects of processing time, acrylamide and benzoyl peroxide concentrations were studied. FTIR studies revealed that the degree of grafting increased by an increase in acrylamide concentration. Maximum grafting was obtained at 7 minutes processing time and 1% (wt/wt) peroxide. Increase in acrylamide concentration led to reduction in melt flow index and increase in apparent melt viscosity.

Keywords

• low density polyethylene (ldpe)
• acrylamide
• melt processing
• macroallkyl radical
• reactive site
• grafting