Surface modification of low-density polyethylene with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) using a low-pressure plasma treatment

• Published in: Vacuum 2014-02, Vol.100, p.53-56
• Main Authors: Popelka, A., Kronek, J., Novák, I., Kleinová, A., Mičušík, M., Špírková, M., Omastová, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Attachment; Binding sites; Biocompatibility; Infrared spectroscopy; Low-pressure plasma; Mathematical analysis; Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline); Polyethylene; Polyethylenes; Surface modification; X-rays
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vacuum.2013.07.016

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a suitable polymer for biomedical applications due to its good physiochemical properties, but its insufficient biocompatibility is often an issue. Therefore, biocompatible substances such as those based on 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline seem to be a good choice to increase the LDPE biocompatibility. In this work, the surface modification of LDPE with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) with two different end-groups was investigated. This modification led to the improvement of surface and adhesion properties, which were investigated by several analytical methods. The low-temperature plasma treatment of the LDPE surface was sufficient to create binding sites for the permanent attachment of poly(2ethyl-2-oxazoline) chains. This was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the polymer containing the acrylic end-group was well attached to the LDPE surface. •LDPE surface was modified by two different poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazolines) (PETOX).•The LDPE surface was activated using a low-temperature plasma.•The XPS study confirmed the presence of PETOX attached permanently to the LDPE.•The polar character of PETOX caused an increase in the LDPE surface free energy.