SURFACE FUNCTIONALIZATION OF POLY(ETHYLENE) WITH SUCCINIC ANHYDRIDE -PREPARATION, MODIFICATION, AND CHARACTERIZATION

Succinic anhydride groups have been introduced on the surface of and i n bulk poly(ethylene) film by a mild photochemical process. These grou ps on the poly(ethylene) film undergo facile transformation to various functional groups such as acids, esters, or amides by reaction with w ater, amine compounds, or PEG, etc. The surface functionality has been quantitatively estimated by using gravimetry, ATR-FTIR, XPS, and UV-v isible spectroscopy. Surface hydrophilicity was characterized by conta ct angle goniometry. The poly(ethylene) bound to the azobenzene group, exhibiting interesting responses to external stimuli such as photoind uced and thermally induced E:Z isomerization.