Sulfonated polyetheretherketone/polypropylene polymer blends for the production of photoactive materials

Sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) was synthesized via a mono-substitution reaction of PEEK in concentrated sulphuric acid and was blended with polypropylene (PP) in 2–10%w/w concentration to be used for the production of photoactive thermoplastic products. SPEEK and SPEEK/PP blends were characterized using FTIR, DSC, TGA, NMR, rheology, SEM, and EPR. Under UV-Vis irradiation, stable benzophenone ketyl (BPK) radicals were generated by hydrogen extraction from PP. By increasing the amount of SPEEK in the polymer blend a linear increase in the BPK radicals was achieved according to the EPR data. DSC and TGA tests indicated weaknesses in the thermal stability of SPEEK but according to the rheological tests this should not have a major effect on processabililty. The optimal amount of SPEEK in the blend was obtained at 5%w/w. This concentration provided a good compromise between radical concentration, material processability, and cost.