Comparison of oxygen plasma and cutinase effect on polyethylene terephthalate surface

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 128; no. 6; pp. 3570 - 3575
• Main Authors: Tkavc, Tina, Vesel, Alenka, Acero, Enrique Herrero, Fras Zemljič, Lidija
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.06.2013; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Activation; Adsorption; Applied sciences; Chitosan; chitosan adsorption; Coating, metallization, dyeing; enzyme treatment; Exact sciences and technology; Foils; goniometry; Machinery and processing; Materials science; Oxygen plasma; PET surface; Plastics; Polyethylene terephthalates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Surface chemistry; Technology of polymers; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Enzymatic treatment; enzyme treatment; oxygen plasma; chitosan adsorption; Liquid solid adsorption; Ester polymer; Plasma assisted processing; PET surface; Experimental study; Antimicrobial agent; Surface treatment; Structure processing relationship; goniometry; Carboxyl group; Hydrolases; Oside polymer; Electrokinetic potential; Chemical composition; Chitosan
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.38526

The aim of the study is to activate inert PET surface in order to introduce the carboxyl groups and to obtain its hydrophilic character. Two advanced and environmentally friendly techniques were used for these purposes: i) oxygen plasma activation; ii) enzymatic treatment by cutinase. Differently treated PET foils were studied in terms of carboxylic group content (non‐aqueous potentiometric titrations, XPS) and hydrophobic/hydrophilic character (goniometry). Moreover, the influence of both activation procedures onto chitosan adsorption was examined by XPS, zeta potential measurements and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. Obtained results show that plasma activation gives for around 19% higher amount of carboxylic groups than cutinase treatment and is during the storage less stable. Results clearly show that the use of both surfaces activation processes increases the ability of PET foils for chitosan adsorption. Due to the fact that chitosan is an antimicrobial agent, obtained materials may be applied as an active packaging system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013