Melt functionalization of LDPE with thio ester, amino ester, and hydroxy ester by thermolysis method—An FTIR study

Low density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) was melt functionalized with three different esters namely, thio ester, amino ester, and hydroxy ester under inert atmosphere at 160°C with different experimental conditions. During the functionalization reaction, crosslinking (C.L) and CC formation are the simultaneous competitive reactions. FTIR-RI analysis method was used to determine the % functionalization onto LDPE backbone and the order of functionalization reaction. Thermogravemetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to assess the thermal properties of the functionalized LDPE. Suitable reaction scheme was proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011