Synthesis of functionalized polypropylene by copolymerization

In this paper, we present another unique molecular structure which has blocky microstructure of isotactic polypropylene and functional polymer. The chemistry involves propylene and borane monomers and Ziegler-Natta catalyst. We have shown a new method which not only achieves the functionalization of polypropylene but also preserves most of useful physical properties in isotactic homopolymer. The combination of blocky molecular microstructure and the crystallization of polypropylene results an unique morphological arrangement, in which the functional groups are located on the surface of the thermoplastic particle. This polymer has been demonstrated a very effective interfacial modifier to improve the adhesion between pure polypropylene and substrates, such as aluminum.