Direct Synthesis of Polar-Functionalized Polyolefin Elastomers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polyolefin elastomers (POEs) are versatile materials used in applications like plastic toughening and photovoltaic module encapsulation.
• Incorporating polar groups into POEs enhances compatibility and adhesion with polar materials, but synthesizing high-molecular-weight polar-functionalized POEs (P-POEs) via copolymerization is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new strategy for producing high-molecular-weight P-POEs with tunable properties.
• To compare the effectiveness of the new silane protection strategy against traditional aluminum-based methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized early transition metal-catalyzed terpolymerization of ethylene or propylene, 1-octene, and protected polar monomers.
• Employed a silane protection strategy for polar monomers during polymerization.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced P-POEs (ethylene-based P-^EPOE and propylene-based P-^PPOE) with tunable 1-octene (7.4-19.8 mol%) and polar monomer (0.7-2.7 mol%) incorporation.
• Achieved high molecular weights (up to 43.8×10⁴ g mol^-1) and controlled melting points (63.8-99.8 °C).
• Demonstrated superior polymerization activity, polymer molecular weight, comonomer incorporation, and processibility compared to aluminum-based protection strategies.

Conclusions:

• The silane protection strategy is a superior method for synthesizing high-performance P-POEs.
• The resulting P-POEs exhibit excellent mechanical properties, elasticity, and function as effective compatibilizers and adhesives.
• This advancement enhances the functional applications of POEs in various industries.