Grafting of acrylamide to low density polyethylene during melt processing

Acrylamide was grafted in low density polyethylene duringmelt processing in the presence of a free radical initiator using a torquerheometer in a closed system. Effects of processing time, acrylamide andbenzoyl peroxide concentrations were studied. FTIR studies revealed thatthe degree of grafting increased by an increase in acrylamide concen-tration. Maximum grafting was obtained at 7 minutes processing time and1% (wt/wt) peroxide. Increase in acrylamide concentration led to reduc-tion in melt flow index and increase in apparent melt viscosity.