Surface modification of low density polyethylene using accelerated decomposition of potassium persulfate and ceric ion induced acrylamide grafting

Surface modification of polymeric films and fibers has received a great deal of attention. One of the objectives is to improve the adhesion between the film or fiber and other materials. Various techniques have been investigated in attempt to increase the adhesion. These include corona discharge, plasma treatment, surface grafting with various kinds of monomer. These, in effect, increase either surface roughness, surface polarity, or providing molecular entanglement through the attached polymeric chains. Surface grafting is a versatile technique as it allows the type of monomer to be chosen to match the intended application. It is also flexible in a method of producing active species on the surface which various means have been devised. 2-stage grafting comprising functionalization using potassium persulfate and then grafting using Ceric (IV) induced technique has recently been documented. It was originally thought that if decomposition of potassium persulfate could be accelerated, treatment time may be shortened. Attention was focused on chemicals that reportedly increased the decomposition rate of potassium persulfate. An unexpected but very interesting result was obtained which brought the adhesion up to a level not achieved by the normal 2-stage grafting.