Synthesis and characterization of new graft copolymers based on ozonized polyethylene: Comparative approach between mass and solution grafting

Mostapha  KARAOUI; Samira KHARCHOUF; Houda El  YAKOUBI; Kaouthar BOUMANE; Mohammed ASSOUAG

doi:10.55713/jmmm.v36i3.2449

Authors

Mostapha KARAOUI Team of Innovative Materials and Mechanical Manufacturing Processes, ENSAM, Universi-ty Moulay Ismail, B.P. 15290, Al Mansour, Meknes, Morocco
Samira KHARCHOUF Team of Innovative Materials and Mechanical Manufacturing Processes, ENSAM, Universi-ty Moulay Ismail, B.P. 15290, Al Mansour, Meknes, Morocco
Houda El YAKOUBI Team of Innovative Materials and Mechanical Manufacturing Processes, ENSAM, Universi-ty Moulay Ismail, B.P. 15290, Al Mansour, Meknes, Morocco
Kaouthar BOUMANE Team of Innovative Materials and Mechanical Manufacturing Processes, ENSAM, Universi-ty Moulay Ismail, B.P. 15290, Al Mansour, Meknes, Morocco
Mohammed ASSOUAG Team of Innovative Materials and Mechanical Manufacturing Processes, ENSAM, Universi-ty Moulay Ismail, B.P. 15290, Al Mansour, Meknes, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55713/jmmm.v36i3.2449

Keywords:

Graft copolymers, Ozonized polyethylene, Mass grafting, Solution grafting, Monomers

Abstract

New graft copolymers were developed from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) following an initial ozonation step to introduce reactive functional groups onto the polymer backbone. Among the two polymers, LDPE demonstrated superior susceptibility to ozonation, making it the preferred substrate for subsequent grafting. Grafting was then performed primarily on ozonized LDPE using various functional monomers, including acrylic acid (AA), 4-vinylpyridine (4VP), acrylonitrile (AN), chloromethylstyrene (CMS), as well as copolymers such as AA–vinylphosphonic acid (AA-co-VPA) and AN–vinylphosphonic acid (AN-co-VPA). Grafting was carried out using both solution and melt techniques. The resulting materials were characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, confirming the incorporation of heteroatoms and the presence of characteristic functional groups. Grafting performed in solution consistently yielded higher efficiencies compared to melt grafting, likely due to improved monomer diffusion and enhanced reactivity of active sites. These graft copolymers exhibit significantly enhanced surface hydrophilicity due to the increased surface polarity and functional group diversity, positioning them as promising candidates for applications in water purification membranes, ion exchange resins, sensors, biomedical devices, and composite materials requiring enhanced interfacial interactions.

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