Novel Functionalised Ethylene Acrylate Copolymers as Polymer Modifiers

Abstract

A novel reactive functionalised polymer modifier system based on ethylene acrylate copolymers produced by a tubular reactor polymerisation process is discussed. The tubular copolymers are unique due to the heterogeneous distribution of acrylate comonomer in the polymer chain making them more compatible with a variety of polymer systems. Because of this feature they can be used as modifiers and universal masterbatch carrier resins for a variety of polymer systems in a more appropriate way than their autoclave based homologues. The new reactive modifiers have excellent compatibility with both polar and non-polar polymers. The incorporation of a reactive functional group, such as maleic anhydride, is used to provide optimal morphology for polymer modification. Impact modification of polyamides using the new acrylate modifier is discussed. Besidessuperior impact properties, the functionalised ethylene acrylate modifier provides improved gloss in moulded parts and flow in polyamide blends compared to conventional reactive modifiers. Another feature of the finished compounds is their high elongation at break. Furthermore, the morphology of the new modifier in PA is discussed. Apart from the modification of polyamides, other applications such as coupling of mineral fillers to polymer matrices is conceivable.