Parameters affecting the chain extension and branching of PET in the melt state by polyepoxides

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-24-2003

Abstract

This article describes the chemical modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a variety of compounds containing reactive glycidyl group(s). Four different modifiers, namely, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA), N,N′-bis[3(carbo-2′,3′-epoxypropoxy) phenyl] pyromellitimide (BGPM), triglycidyl glycerol (TGG), and triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) were compared for their reactivity toward PET in the melt phase. It was found that the presence of tertiary nitrogen in the structure of the epoxide modifiers plays the role of in-built catalyst for their reaction with the end groups of PET. TGIC as a modifier was selected for the detailed investigation of the simultaneously occurring degradation and chain extension/branching reactions in a batch-melt mixer. The reactions were followed by torque changes, analyzing the products for residual carboxyl content, and by determining insoluble content. It is shown that the rate of the reactive modification of PET melt by TGIC depends upon stoichiometry, temperature, rate of shear, and the chemical composition and the molecular weight (MW) of the PET resin. In general, the results indicate an increase in melt viscosity and insoluble content, whereas an overall decrease in carboxyl content occurs, as defined by the choice of mixing conditions and stoichiometry. Analysis of the batch kinetic data can be useful to define the process requirements for carrying out the reactive modification in continuous extrusion equipment. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 87.

Identifier

0037462236 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Polymer Science

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1002/app.11425

ISSN

00218995

First Page

643

Last Page

652

Issue

4

Volume

87

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