Functionalization of Poly (1‐hexene) with Maleic Anhydride: The Effect of Reaction Parameters

Abstract The functionalization of poly (1‐hexene) with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as initiator was investigated and the effect of reaction parameters such as initiator content, maleic anhydride concentrations, reaction temperature and reaction time were studied. Furthermore, changing the catalyst system from a commercial Ziegler‐Natta (TiCl 4 /MgCl 2 /Internal donor) to α‐diimine Nickel catalyst led to a higher degree of functionalization (DOF) thanks to higher unsaturation content of polymer chains made by the Nickel catalyst system. The obtained polymer moreover was contacted with polyethylene glycol methyl ether to ensure the attachment of the functionalizing agent on the poly (1‐hexene) chains. Different analyses were used to support the observations. For instance, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited no weight loss at 210 °C for the sample confirming, the complete reaction of maleic anhydride, or FTIR analysis, where the presence of ester group bands was evidence for the reaction.