Using Reactive Block Copolymers as Chain Extenders and Surface Modifiers

摘要

A process is provided for making a reactive-block-copolymer chain extender and for using the chain extender to couple polymer chains together for increasing the average molecular weight of the polymer chains. The chain extender can be reacted with polymeric materials that have functional groups and low molecular weight to couple polymer chains together and increase the average molecular weight, thereby increasing intrinsic viscosity and improving properties of the polymeric material. The chain extender is particularly useful for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polymers with functional groups and is also useful as a surface modifier and as a compatibilizer for polymeric materials that do not have reactive functional groups, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.