Graft copolymerzation of poly(vinyl chloride) with styrene. I. Synthesis and characterization

TLDR: Graft copolymerization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) partially dehydrochlorinated by heating in nitrobenzene was investigated using styrene as monomer and anhydrous AlCl3 as cationic initiator in the temperature range of 0-35°C as discussed by the authors.

Abstract: Graft copolymerization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) partially dehydrochlorinated by heating in nitrobenzene was investigated using styrene as monomer and anhydrous AlCl3 as cationic initiator in the temperature range of 0–35°C. Effect of monomer, catalyst, and PVC concentration on % graft-on was also evaluated. Introduction of labile sites in PVC by partial dehydrochlorination in nitrobenzene resulted in an increase in % graft-on. Intrinsic viscosity of PVC–g–polystyrene in THF initially increased with an increase in % graft-on. At higher % graft-on a decrease in [η] was observed.