Plasma-induced graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate on the surface of polyethylene

Abstract

The surface of polyethylene (PE) was modified through Ar atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and subsequent grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Optimum plasma treatment conditions were determined through analyzing the surface free energies calculated from the contact angles between PE samples and three probe liquids, which were RF-power of 200 W, plasma treatment time of 600 sec, Ar flow rate of 5 LPM, and sample-holder moving speed of 20 mm/sec. To introduce the maximum amount of GMA on PE surface treated under the conditions, graft copolymerization conditions such as GMA concentration, temperature, and time were carefully controlled. Grafting degree (GD) was obtained through weight difference analysis of PE film before and after graft copolymerization. A maximum GD was achieved at the GMA concentration of 20 vol%, the temperature of 80 °C, and the treatment time of 4 hr.