Synthesis and Characterization of Surface Sulfonated Polypropylene Films

Ecevit S. T., Aras L., Tincer T.

JOURNAL OF ADHESION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.22, no.12, pp.1285-1299, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1163/156856108x319818
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ADHESION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1285-1299
  • Keywords: Polypropylene, surface sulfonation, contact angle, thermal and mechanical analyses, POLYSTYRENE, POLYMER
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The basic reseach on the surface sulfonation of polypropylene (PP) is very important for design of surfaces for higher functionalization. For this purpose, liquid-phase sulfonation of polypropylene surfaces at various temperatures and different time periods was performed using concentrated sulphuric acid. The physical and chemical changes produced by the sulfonation on the polypropylene surfaces were determined by contact angle measurements, mechanical analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both surface polarity and wettability of PP films were improved by sulfonation at low temperatures for short time periods; however, sulfonation at longer times, or higher temperatures, caused degradation of PP films. All sulfonated film samples had lower yield stress and stress at break. (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2008