Polyolefins are the most widely used plastics accounting for a large fraction of the polymer waste stream. Although reusing polyolefins seems to be a logical choice, their recycling level remains disappointingly low. This is mainly due to the lack of large-scale availability of efficient and inexpensive compatibilizers for mixed polyolefin waste, typically consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and isotactic polypropylene...

The synthesis of hydroxyl functionalized propylene-based terpolymers and their performance as hot melt adhesives were investigated. The products comprise uniformly distributed butyl and 4-hydroxyl-butyl branches along the polypropylene backbone. Despite the low hydroxyl-functionality level of ≤ 0.5 mol%, hydroxyl functionalized terpolymers show formidable adhesion to aluminum and steel providing an adhesive strength exceeding 16...