Surface functionalization of polyolefin films via UV-induced photografting of acrylic acid. Topogaphical characterization and ability for binding antifungal agents.

VANINA COSTAMAGNA; DANIEL WUNDERLIN; MAIDE LARRAÑAGA; IÑAKI MONDRAGÓN; MIRIAM STRUMIA

Journal Applied Polymer Science

Wiley

Lugar: USA; Año: 2005 p. 1 - 48

Photo-induced graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto films of poly(vinyl chloride), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) was investigated with benzophenone as initiator. The grafting reactions were carried out in a closed cell containing the films to be treated with a solution of the sensitizer and the monomer. The percentage of grafting was determined by gravimetric measurements, and the characterization of the grafted films was carried out by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), chemical analysis (volumetric titration and dye adsorption) and optical (OM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The grafting yield was found to increase with ultraviolet exposure time for all cases, and high levels of grafting can be obtained after a short reaction time at room temperature. The pendant functional groups were used to bond natamycin and the antimicrobial properties of films were demonstrated.