Grafting modification of carbon black by trapping macroradicals formed by sonochemical degradation

Polymers were grafted onto the surface of carbon black (CB) by the trapping of macroradicals formed by sonochemical degradation of a polymer solution. Long chain radicals of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) formed by sonochemical degradation were successfully trapped by CB and grafted onto its surface. Results showed the method to be suitable for all kinds of CB, even for furnace black with few functional groups. The crushing effect of the ultrasonic forces caused the PVA grafted CB to have a much smaller aggregate particle size and narrower particle size distribution than that of the original CB, as indicated by dynamic light scattering. The PVA grafted CB could be well dispersed in water and a polymer matrix. The compatibility between CB and polymer was significantly improved.