Permanent antistatic polypropylene based on polyethylene wax/polypropylene wax grafting sodium acrylate

Abstract Two types of permanent antistatic agents, polyethylene wax grafted with sodium acrylate (PEW‐ g ‐AAS) and polypropylene (PP) wax grafted with sodium acrylate (PPW‐ g ‐AAS), were prepared using a solution grafting method and applied to PP for enhancing antistatic properties. The grafting degree was determined using back titration method and structures were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antistatic properties of PEW‐ g ‐AAS/PP blends and PPW‐ g ‐AAS/PP blends were characterized by surface resistivities (ρ s ) and volume resistivities (ρ v ), and a combination of contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscope, permittivity, and dielectric loss were used to investigate the surface and inner structures of the blends. Results showed ρ s and ρ v of PEW‐ g ‐AAS/PP blends dropped significantly (4–7 magnitudes) above a critical addition at 10%, where a electrostatic dissipative network formed; PPW‐ g ‐AAS revealed an inferior antistatic performance than PEW‐ g ‐AAS due to its better compatibility and smaller dispersed phase in the matrix. Further, the antistatic blends treated in 80°C water, 80°C air, and room temperature were investigated, and the results were interpreted from surface energy. Moreover, the addition of antistatic agent had little impact on tensile strength of the PP matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012