Polyethylene film surface functionalized with chitosan via γ-ray irradiation in aqueous system: An approach to induce copper(II) ion adsorptivity on PE

Functionalization of the surface of polyethylene (PE) film with chitosan via γ-ray irradiation technique followed by copper ion immobilization on this surface is proposed. The solubilization of chitosan in water by forming an organic salt with hydroxybenzyl triazole is a key factor in accomplishing the surface functionalization of PE with chitosan by γ-ray irradiation. The chitosan induces the metal ion adsorptivity on PE film surface resulting in the successful copper ion immobilization. The work demonstrates an approach to convert a commodity polymer, such as PE, to a functional polymer with chitosan.