SURFACE MODIFICATION OF POLYETHYLENE BY PHOTOCHEMICAL GRAFTING WITH 2-HYDROXYETHYLMETHACRYLATE

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-degrees to about 50-degrees. 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.