Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and styrene as a compatibilizer for biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene

Abstract

Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and styrene [PP-g-(MAH-co-St)] was prepared by melt grafting. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy showed that maleic anhydride in the form of cyclic anhydride was successfully grafted onto the main chains of polypropylene. PP-g-(MAH-co-St) acts as a compatibilizer for the poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene meltblown nonwoven fabric slices. The effect of different contents and grafting proportions of PP-g-(MAH-co-St) on the structure and performance of the poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices was investigated. The poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices had favorable compatibility, tensile properties, thermal stability, and degradability, and their melt flow rates were reduced by the addition of PP-g-(MAH-co-St). Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectra showed that ring-opening reactions occur between the anhydride functional groups of PP-g-(MAH-co-St) and poly(propylene carbonate). Ring-opening reactions, chemical bonds, cocrystallization, increased interface adhesion forces, and reduced interfacial tension may be the mechanisms by which PP-g-(MAH-co-St) acts a compatibilizer for poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices.