Graft Copolymers
 

Various graft copolymers have been prepared for diverse applications including material compatibilization, enhanced tensile strength, improved metal adhesion, controlled wettability, better pigment dispersion, and enhanced thermal stability. These graft copolymers were synthesized using our own patented process, viz.:

  • solid phase process (catalytic or noncatalytic)
  • flame initiated process
  • supercritical fluid grafting process

The graft copolymers successfully synthesized include PP-g-MA, PP-g-PS, PS-g-AA, PS-g-MA, PVC-g-VAc, PC-g-PMMA, PET-g-AA, PVDF-g-MA, and PBAT-g-MA. The sponsors of this research include BFGoodrich, Kimberly-Clark, Dow Chemical, Zeon Chemical, etc. For related subjects in graft copolymers, click here.

Some of the highlights of our graft copolymerization technology are shown in the following figure. We have the most comprehensive grafting capabilities as well as specialized expertise in this area. Our grafting technology is protected by a number of U.S. and international patents.

  • "Catalytic Solid Phase Grafting of Polymers", U.S. Patent No. 5,079,302.
  • "Polycarbonate-g-Polyacrylate by Graft Copolymerization", U.S. Patent No. 5,510,429.
  • "Flame-Initiated Graft Copolymerization of Polymers", U.S. Patent No. 5,571,869.
  • "Graft Copolymerization in Supercritical Fluid Media", U.S. Patent No. 5,663,227.

With these patented and other proprietary processes, there is virtually no limit in our polymer grafting technology. Some of the successful examples in our laboratory are shown in the chart on this page.



Processall grafting reactor


Nicolet Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR)

Our technology of chemical modification of polymers using grafting is uniquely complemented by our nanocomposite capabilities for highly specialized aplications. Our graft copolymerization technology is available for licensing through the Temarex Corporation, a technology transfer company for the University of Akron.  Recently advanced technology in this field is also available for licensing or further R&D through Ohio University. For contract R&D and research collaboration for specialty applications and novel materials, please contact us.

Uses of Graft Copolymers:
Graft copolymers can be used in a variety of specialty and functional applications including:

(1) enhancing metal adhesion property
(2) enhancing adhesion to other polymers
(3) contributing to specialty alloys
(4) alteration of processing windows
(5) easy mold release
(6) enhanced pigment distribution/dispersion
(7) enhancing heat distortion temperature
(8) adding biodegradability
(9) adding wettability
(10) improving tensile strength
(11) compatibilization
(12) imparting and/or embedding specialty properties:
      - conductive
      - paintable
      - antistatic
      - hypoallergenic
      - thermally stable
      - providing barrier properties

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