Troubleshooting Polyolefin Grafting via Reactive Extrusion

To achieve high quality grafted polyolefin products, you need to ensure that the grafted monomer is fully bound to the polymer. This can be tricky as several competing reactions are usually present! Also, the same free radical chemistry in a reactive extruder gives different results with PE and PP. 

To understand how to control the chemistry & process and troubleshoot recurring issues, join this course and:

1. Achieve desired quality by understanding the mechanism of grafting & free radical chemistry in a reactive extruder and how PP differs from PE during reaction.

2. Optimize your compounding process by understanding the interactions b/w components, type of mixing required, how to control melt temp., screw designs..

3. Troubleshoot efficiently current & future challenges (black specks, gel defects, varying melt viscosities, high volatiles...) with practical tips from Kenneth Russell.

Boast about your Skills- Get a participation certificate on joining the Live Online Course !

Engineers and lead operators (polymer converters) looking to resolve critical issues to achieve high quality grafted polyolefin products using reactive extrusion. Newer companies entering into this space would highly benefit from this course too.

Complete the course and (unlock your personalized certificate) – your badge of accomplishment awaits!

1. Grafting of polypropylene and polyethylene
1. Key differences between PP and PE during the reaction
2. Why opting for reactive extrusion vs. other methods for polyolefins?
3. Typical challenges that you can avoid providing you know a little more about chemistry and process


2. Feeding of liquids
1. How to adjust pressure?
2. Positive displacement pump


3. Understanding Free Radical Chemistry
1. Typical peroxides used (Dicumyl peroxide, Di-tert-butyl peroxide…)
2. How to choose which peroxide is best for the process?
3. Safe handling of peroxides
4. Alternate initiators/catalysts
1. AIBN
2. UV


4. Highlights on the process of Screw Design Considerations


5. Reactions with Polypropylene
1. Understanding the process flow
2. Controlled rheology of PP/Grafting of MaH to PP
3. How to measure MAH content?
4. How to troubleshoot quality issues?


6. Reactions with Polyethylene
1. Understanding the process flow & Crosslinking
2. Differences between HDPE/LLDPE and LDPE
3. Silane grafting process
4. Twin-screw grafting


7. Grafting of Maleic Anhydride to PP
1. Controlling MAH content
2. Is the MAH fully bound?
3. Controlling melt viscosity for PP


8. Grafting Maleic Anhydride to PE
1. Generation of gels and specs
2. Controlling melt viscosity for PE
3. Safety concerns with Maleic Anhydride


9. 30 Mins Q&A Session- Ask your questions directly to the expert !

Have a query ? Email us for any help