Abstract: A process is provided for making a reactive-block-copolymer chain extender and for using the chain extender to couple polymer chains together for increasing the average molecular weight of the polymer chains. The chain extender can be reacted with polymeric materials that have functional groups and low molecular weight to couple polymer chains together and increase the average molecular weight, thereby increasing intrinsic viscosity and improving properties of the polymeric material. The chain extender is particularly useful for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other polymers with functional groups and is also useful as a surface modifier and as a compatibilizer for polymeric materials that do not have reactive functional groups, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a reactive-block-copolymer property modifier using an acrylic monomer that has functional groups and one or more vinyl monomers and using the property modifier to modify the properties of a polymeric material, particularly its surface properties. Functionalized acrylic monomer and vinyl monomer can be selected for making a property modifier for a particular application. The property modifier is mixed and/or reacted with a polymeric material to change its properties, particularly the polarity and surface energy of the polymeric material, such as for making the polymeric material paintable, dyeable, wettable, waterproof, biocompatible and/or capable of dissipating an electrostatic charge. The property modifier can be used to couple polymer chains together for increasing average molecular weight, which is useful for recycling a polymeric material, and can also be used as a compatibilizer.