SILANE CROSS-LINKING OF PVC .1. GRAFTING OF MERCAPTOALKYLALKOXYSILANES ONTO PVC - PROPERTIES OF THE GRAFTED AND CROSS-LINKED PRODUCT

The reaction of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with mercaptoalkyltrialkoxysilanes yielded silane-grafted PVC that can be cross-linked by the hydrolytic mechanism. The grafting of the silanes on the plasticized and unplasticized PVC was carried out at 180-degrees-C during processing in the presence of basic lead-containing stabilizers. The reaction is favorably affected by the presence of plasticizers and lubricants containing polar, preferably ester, groups. The silane-grafted and cross-linked polymers have satisfactory thermal stability. The results of strength measurements at elevated temperatures after cross-linking by water indicate that the material obtained has greatly improved parameters that are suitable for a number of applications.