GRAFT-COPOLYMERIZATION OF POLYOXYETHYLENE MACROMER ON CHLORINATED POLYETHYLENE AND ITS PROPERTIES

Graft copolymerization of polyoxyethylene macromer onto chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) was carried out by using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. The degree of grafting reached a maximum with a BPO concentration of approximately 8 mmol/l. The graft copolymer formed a microphase separated structure. Even when the degree of grafting was changed, the physical properties, such as tensile strength and elongation, of the polymer were not affected much by the change. The water content was proportional to the content of oxyethylene units in the graft copolymer. The graft copolymer with adsorbed water showed a fairly large oxygen permeability.