Ester functionalization and structural modification of polypropylene via solid-state shear pulverization

Using solid-state shear pulverization, we have identified the potential to functionalize polypropylene by taking advantage of near ambient temperature reactions. Polypropylene was pulverized in the presence of benzoyl peroxide; under these temperature conditions the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide results in the formation of benzoyloxy radicals that react with the polypropylene chain, introducing ester functional groups onto the chain. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that such functionality cannot be obtained using conventional high temperature processing methods.