Long chain branching on linear polypropylene by solid state reactionsLong chain branching on linear polypropylene by solid state reactions Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-10-242008enA method was developed for the long chain branching (LCB) of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) via modification in the solid state. PP long chains have been linked as branches to the original linear iPP chains using solid state reactions in the presence of a free radical initiator and a multifunctional monomer (co-agent). The modified samples of branched iPP were characterised by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and rheological measurements. Several methods were applied in order to estimate indirectly the extent of branching. A ranking was made of the co-agents according to their ability in inducing LCB as opposed to cross-linking and degradation of iPP. The furfuryl sulphide (FS) showed the highest efficiency for the branching reaction, while the divinylbenzene (DVB) is not suitable for branching.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/European Polymer Journal441200-212 Borsig E. Van Duin M. Gotsis Alexandros Γκοτσης Αλεξανδρος Picchioni, F Elsevier Thermoforming Melt strength Peroxide modification Long chain branching Isotactic polypropylene