Surface structure and blood-compatibility of LDPE film grafted with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate using corona discharge

Corona discharge was explored as a means of forming chemically active sites on the surface of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The active species thus prepared at atmospheric pressure in air was used to induce subsequent graft copolymerization of 2 - hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) on LDPE fil m in aqueous solution. The surface structure and blood - compatibility of t he grafted LDPE film were studied through ATR IR, SEM, contact angle with w ater, hemolysis and recalcification time measurements. The results show tha t with reaction time and HEMA concentration in the reaction solution, the g rafting degree of HEMA onto LDPE film increases. As reaction temperature in creases, the grafting degree first increases to a maximum, then decreases. As the grafting degree increases, the contact angle of HEMA - grafted LDPE film with water decreases. Compared with ungrafted LDPE film, the hemolysis degree of HEMA - grafted LDPE film decreases and the recalcification time increases. The blood compatibility of HEMA - grafted LDPE film is improved.