Gamma radiation induced maleation of polypropylene using supercritical CO 2 : preliminary results

Abstract The charging of maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) into polypropylene matrices has been carried out by CO2 in supercritical conditions. The grafting of MA into polymer chains was done through gamma irradiation in CO2 atmosphere (0.1 MPa, 25°C). The grafting was successful and the amount of grafted anhydride was dependent on the amount of MA and DCP charged into the polypropylene matrix. The presence of grafted succinic anhydride was shown by FT-IR spectroscopy and its amount was determined through a calibration curve derived from standard samples. The effect of swelling due to supercritical CO2, maleic anhydride grafting and gamma irradiation on the molecular structur…