Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Studies in reduction of molecular weight of polypropylene

  • Degradation
  • Published:
Polymer Science Series B Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) is the most widely used polyolefin, due to its high mechanical strength and better processability in comparison to the others in its group. Conventional methods of polymerisation result in high molecular weights of PP. However, high molecular weights are not required for several applications. To overcome this problem controlled reduction in molecular weight of PP in presence of free radicals, in solution, is proposed. Four commonly available free radical generators viz: benzoyl peroxide (BPO), azo- iso-bis butyronitrile (AIBN), t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were used to bring about reduction in molecular weight of PP. Effect of the free radical generator concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature and reaction medium (toluene, xylene and decalin) on the extent of molecular weight reduction was studied. The effect of this molecular weight reduction on mechanical, thermal, rheological and crystalline properties of the polymer was also studied. With proper selection of initiator and reaction conditions, it was possible to obtain low molecular weight branched PP with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. G. Madras, J. M. Smith, and B. J. McCoy, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 52, 349 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. S. Kumar, R. Kumar, and G. Madras, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 84, 681 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. L. Guy and B. Fixari, Polymer 40, 2845 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. E. Niki, T. Shimo, T. Ido, and Y. Kamiya, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 19, 2341 (1975).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Z. Osawa, T. Saito, and Y. Kumira, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 22, 563 (1978).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. T. G. Degtyarova, N. F. Tromova, and V. V. Kharitonov, Polym. Sci. USSR 20, 2105 (1979).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. V. Desai, M. Shenoy, and P. Gogate, Chem. Eng. J. (Lausanne) 140, 483 (2008).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. V. Desai, M. Shenoy, and P. Gogate, Chem. Eng. Process. 47, 1451 (2008).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. O. Solomo and Z. Z. Ciuta, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 6, 683 (1962).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. V. R. Gowarikar, N. V. Viswanathan, and J. Sreedhar, Polymer Science (New Age International, New Delhi, 2001).

    Google Scholar 

  11. J. Brandrup, E. H. Immergut, and E. A. Grulke, Polymer Handbook (Wiley, New York, 1999).

    Google Scholar 

  12. N. Fazeli, H. Arabi, and Sh. Bolandi, Polym. Test. 25, 28 (2006).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. A. J. De Nicola, A. F. Galombos, and M. D. Wolcowicz, Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng. 67, 106 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  14. X. Wang, C. Tzoganakis, and G. L. Rempel, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 61, 1395 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. D. Yan, W. J. Wang, and S. Zhu, Polymer 40, 1737 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai University, Mumbai, India

    M. A. Shenoy & Mrinalini Patil

Authors
  1. M. A. Shenoy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mrinalini Patil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mrinalini Patil.

Additional information

The article is published in the original.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Shenoy, M.A., Patil, M. Studies in reduction of molecular weight of polypropylene. Polym. Sci. Ser. B 52, 174–183 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1560090410030073

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1560090410030073

Keywords

Search

Navigation