Photografting of methacrylic acid on polyethylene film: Effect of mixed solvents consisting of water and organic solvent

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 83; no. 11; pp. 2454 - 2461
• Main Authors: Irwan, Ginting Suka, Kuroda, Shin-Ichi, Kubota, Hitoshi, Kondo, Takashi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Wiley Periodicals, Inc 14.03.2002; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; graft copolymers; Grafting and modifications; linear low-density polyethylene film; methacrylic acid; mixed solvent; pH-responsive character; photografting; Physicochemistry of polymers; polyethylene; Polymers and radiations; stimuli-sensitive polymers; Solvent effect; Graft copolymer; Swelling; Property composition relationship; Film; Photochemical grafting; Experimental study; Methacrylic acid copolymer; Organic solvent; Mixed solvent; Aqueous medium; Depth profile; Ethylene copolymer; pH; Yield; Liquid solid reaction; Linear low density ethylene polymer
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.10235

Photografting of methacrylic acid (MAA) on linear low‐density polyethylene film (thickness = 30 μm) was investigated at 60°C in mixed solvents consisting of water and organic solvent with xanthone as the photoiniator. The organic solvents examined were acetone, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane. A maximum percentage of grafting was observed at a certain concentration of organic solvent in the mixed solvent, depending on the nature of the organic solvent. Distribution of the grafted chains in the resultant MAA‐grafted film, which was examined by scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total‐reflection IR spectroscopy, was largely influenced by the use of the mixed solvent. The grafted samples swelled in the alkaline region and shrank in acidic medium, showing a pH‐responsive character. The extent of the pH‐responsive function was closely related to the location of grafted chains, which could be controlled by proper choice of the composition of organic solvent in the mixed solvent. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2454–2461, 2002