Surface modification of polypropylene film by grafting with vinyl monomers for the attachment of chitosan

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) film activated by corona discharge treatment was grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylic acid (AA). The grafted PP was characterized by spectral, thermal analysis and swelling behavior which confirmed the occurrence of the grafting. The water vapor and oxygen permeability (OTR and WVTR) as well as the mechanical properties have been enhanced by grafting with both AA and MMA. The grafted PP was further immobilized with chitosan (CS) using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an initiator under ultraviolet radiation. The chitosan immobilized grafted film was characterized by FTIR, mechanical properties, thermal properties and swelling measurements. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed that the CS is bonded to the grafted PP film. The CS modified PP film has acquired enhanced antibacterial and antifungal properties.