Free radical graft copolymerization of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl acrylate) onto chlorinated rubber: Characterization and mechanical properties

Graft copolymerization of n-butyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate onto chlorinated rubber was carried out in solution medium (xylene) using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The chlorinated rubber-g-(n-butyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (CR-g-nBMA-co-BA) was isolated from the copolymerization mixture by extracting with isopropyl ether. Infrared (FT-IR) spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis of the graft copolymer showed the occurrence of grafting. Percent grafting and grafting efficiency calculated under different experimental conditions are discussed. The mechanical properties of the grafted CR films were studied under different strain rates.