Modification of LDPE molecular structure by gamma irradiation for bioapplications

The surface properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) can be modified by the grafting of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). This was done aiming at the production of new materials suitable for bioapplications. Samples with different monomer concentrations were prepared from LDPE particles by gamma irradiation, following different irradiation protocols, including irradiation in presence and absence of air. The samples were characterized by thermal analysis techniques (DSC and TGA) and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results obtained show a decrease in the crystallinity of the supporting matrix for copolymers with high yields of grafting. However, the new materials prepared maintain good structural order resulting from the protective effect of polyHEMA grafted onto LDPE backbone. These effects can improve the diffusion of other species deeper inside the matrix and increase the material hydrophilicity. The studies performed made possible the selection of experimental protocols adequate for the production of new copolymeric materials with high grafting yield. These were used in the production of new LDPE films with enhanced hydrophilic properties.