The adhesive properties of isotactic polypropylene with different degrees o
f crystallinity, surface-modified by corona discharge plasma have been stud
ied, during the process of ageing. Considerable decrease in the surface fre
e energy and its polar component was observed. A significant correlation wa
s found between the mechanical work of adhesion to polyvinyl acetate and th
e polar fraction during ageing. The influence of the crystallinity of the p
olymer on the resulting adhesion parameters of aged polypropylene foil was
confirmed. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.