Solvent-free esterification of poly(vinyl alcohol) and maleic anhydride through mechanochemical reaction

A solid-state mechanochemical processing, that is, pan-milling, was used to conduct the esterification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with maleic anhydride (MA) through stress-induced reaction. FTIR spectrum study indicated the presence of ester linkages and olefinic double bonds in maleic anhydride cross-linked PVA. Thermal properties of the cross-hnked product were characterized by DSC. The results showed its glass transition temperature was 20 degrees C higher than the original linear PVA and the thermal stability was also improved. (c) 2007 Can Hui Lu. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.