Surface modification of polyethylene by photochemical grafting with 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate

Abstract

Abstract The photochemical grafting of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate onto low‐density polyethylene film is described. The grafting technique employed involved irradiating a solution of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate and benzophenone in acetone spread between films of poly(ethylene terephthalate) or glass and low‐density polyethylene. After irradiation for 2 min, the contact angle of the polyethylene films with water fell from 97° to about 50°. The contact angle of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate also fell during grafting. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was consistent with the presence of poly(2‐hydroxethylmethacrylate) at the surface of the polyethylene. The effect of solvent on the photochemical grafting of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate onto low‐density polyethylene is discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.