Chemical modification of LDPE film

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film was chemically modified by chromic aci d treatment to generate polar groups on the surface. The film samples were etched by chromic acid with variation of temperature at a constant time (30 min) and variation of time at a constant temperature (room temperature = 2 6 degrees C). The variation of weight and thickness of the film samples bef ore and after etching was measured. The surface morphology of the etched fi lms was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). IR and XPS analysis revealed the introduction of polar groups like -COOH, > C=O, -SO3H on the e tched LDPE him surface, which exhibited improved printability. Etching also enhanced adhesion with epoxy resin. The mechanical properties of the lamin ates of the two specimens of the same film sample with epoxy resin were als o measured. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.