Synthesis and characterization of a novel macromolecular surface modifier for polyethylene

A new macromolecular surface modifier, a copolymer of lauryl methacrylate (LMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl methacrylate (PEGMA), was synthesized through free radical polymerization. The copolymer was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum ( 1 H-NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The copolymer was used to blend with polyethylene. The binary blends have been characterized by attenuated total reflection/Fourier transform infrared (ATRFTIR), contact-angle measurements (CDA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that poly(ethylene glycol) methyl methacrylate- co -lauryl methacrylate (PEGMA- co -LMA) could diffuse preferably onto the surface of the polyethylene (PE) film, and thus can be used as an efficient surface modifier for PE.