Novel Polyolefin Hybrids via Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization

Polyolefin/non-polyolefin hybrid materials, named 'Polyolefin Hybrids', which are block, graft copolymers, have been synthesized via controlled/living radical polymerizations using a polyolefin macroinitiator. Polyolefin hybrids show a microphase separated morphology composed of polyolefin and non-polyolefin segments and display various enhanced physical properties by the selection of non-polyolefin segments. In addition, they exhibit a remarkable compatibility toward polyolefin and non-polyolefin blend polymers leading to the development of new polymer alloy materials. As an example of the polyolefin hybrids, the surface-polar-polymer-grafted polypropylene sheets that exhibit high hydrophilicity, electroconductivity, and antibacterial property is obtained. Thus, polyolefin hybrids are valuable value-added polyolefins.