Novel surface modification of high‐density polyethylene films by using enzymatic catalysis

Abstract

AbstractThe surface of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) films was modified by an enzyme, soybean peroxidase (SBP). The enzymatic surface modification was performed using a peroxidase as catalyst and hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent. The chemical composition and morphology of HDPE surfaces were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that after enzymatic treatment, the O/C atomic ratio of HDPE surfaces increased, and new functional groups such as –CO– appeared. Moreover, the surface of treated HDPE films became rougher than untreated surfaces. The hydrophilicity of treated and untreated HDPE films was analyzed by UV–vis spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The decreased contact angle of the HDPE with water and increased adsorption ability of the surface to a water‐soluble dye clearly indicated that enzymatic treatment can significantly increase the hydrophilicity of the surfaces of HDPE films. The catalytic mechanism of SBP was also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3673–3678, 2004