Surface Of Low-density Polyethylene Films Research Articles

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by plasma-activated Bacillus strain

Plastic biodegradation by microorganisms is an eco-friendly and sustainable method without any ramifications. Herein, we used a cultivation method and 16S rRNA sequencing to screen bacteria that can efficiently colonize and degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) from various plastic wastes. We identified Bacillus safensis BS-10L through whole-genome sequencing analysis and verified its LDPE-degradation ability. However, the decomposition mechanism of the isolated bacteria was unclear and the decomposition efficiency was insufficient, so low-temperature plasma was used to increase the decomposition efficiency of the bacteria. The population and viability of bacteria treated with cold plasma increased. Plasma-activated bacteria could induce cracks, holes, and roughness on the surface of LDPE films over 90 days, and over 30 days; the LDPE film lost 13.40 ± 0.013% and 27.78 ± 0.014% of its mass by BS-10L and plasma-treated BS-10L, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis identified new peaks of the C=O and C-O groups in the plasma-treated LDPE film, exhibiting high transmittance in the LDPE film that was inoculated with bacteria. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis showed that C-O bonds were generated by BS-10L strain, and relatively strong C=O bonds were generated in the film inoculated with plasma-treated BS-10L strain. Plasma treatment increased the colonization of the BS-10L strain and changed the chemical bonding of the LDPE film, suggesting that plasma-activated BS-10L could accelerate decomposition by oxidation by increasing the carbonyl group of the PE film. Therefore, plasma technology may be effective for enhancing the plastic-degrading ability of microorganisms.

Characterization of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films degraded using bacteria strains isolated from oil-contaminated soil

ABSTRACT This study assessed the low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from oil-contaminated soil and also analyzed the morphological and chemical composition of LDPE films after the biodegradation period. The bacteria strains isolated from oil-contaminated soil were standardized and used to degrade the pretreated LDPE films in mineral salt media. Thereafter, they were incubated for 78 days at 37°C in an incubator shaker, and the degraded LDPE films were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively (using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersal x-ray (EDX)). Isolates A32 and BTT4 amongst other bacteria isolates showed the highest LDPE film degradation activity, with a weight reduction of 71.80% and 89.72% respectively, and were identified using the 16S rRNA sequencing technique. The EDX results showed that LDPE film incubated with A32 has the highest reduction in carbon and nitrogen (23.8% and 44.9% respectively) when compared with the Control. However, LDPE film incubated with BTT4 had an increase in calcium and chlorine (139% and 40% respectively), when compared with the control. Similarly, the SEM images showed the appearance of pinholes, cracks and particles on the surfaces of LDPE films incubated with A32 and BTT4 contrary to the controls. A32 and BTT4 were identified as Proteus mirabilis (Accession number: MN124173.1) and Proteus mirabilis (Accession number: KY027145.1) respectively. Proteus mirabilis showed viable plastic biodegradation potentials and may be useful in the management of plastic waste, leading to a reduction in global plastic waste and a clean environment.

Isolation and screening of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags degrading bacteria from Addis Ababa municipal solid waste disposal site “Koshe”

PurposeThis study aims to screen bacterial isolates from the Addis Ababa municipal solid waste dumping site (Koshe) for the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene bags and analyzes their efficiency in degrading plastic bags.MethodsIn this study, low-density polyethylene bag-degrading bacteria were isolated from the Koshe municipal solid waste disposal area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Screening of isolates for low-density polyethylene bag biodegradation was carried out using a clear zone method. Additionally, the efficiency of the isolates for low-density polyethylene biodegradation was evaluated using the weight loss method, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Finally, molecular identification of potential low-density polyethylene degrader bacterial isolates was done by 16S rDNA sequencing.ResultsIsolates KS35, KS14, and KS119 resulted in significant weight loss of low-density polyethylene film (42.87 ± 1.91%, 37.2 ± 3.06%, and 23.87 ± 0.11% weight loss, respectively). These isolates were selected for further biodegradation study using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows the formation of pores, pits, and distortion of the plastic surface. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicates the appearance of new peaks at the surface of low-density polyethylene films. Phylogenetic analysis of the three potential bacterial isolates was also carried out, and the result indicates that the sequence of isolate KS35 had 99% similarity with sequences of Methylobacterium radiotolerans MN525302. Isolate KS119 had 100% similarity with Methylobacterium fujisawaense KT720189, and the sequence of isolate KS14 had 99% similarity with species of Lysinibacillus fusiformis.ConclusionsWeight loss, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis results show that isolates KS35, KS14, and KS119 have high potential in degrading low-density polyethylene bags.

Surface Analysis of Grafted Low Density Polyethylene Film by FTIR and XPS Spectroscopy

This paper studied the alternative method for determination of percentage of grafted content in the grafted low density polyethylene (LDPE) film with black seed oil (BSO). BSO was grafted onto LDPE by pre-irradiation grafting method and the grafted samples were evaluated using FTIR qualitative and quantitative analysis. The grafting yield was calculated quantitatively from absorbance peak of two difference peak (1464cm-1 and 1746cm-1). Control LDPE film shows no absorbance peak at wavenumber of 1746cm-1 while, a peak appears for grafted film at the same wavenumber. Therefore, it is possible to consider the peak area in this wavenumber as the grafting extension of BSO in LDPE film. Meanwhile, concerning the infrared (IR) fingerprint of LDPE film, consistent peak characteristic bands of LDPE are also present for all grafted sample at 1464cm-1. Thus, the grafting yield is computed by using these peaks. Then, further confirmation grafting of BSO onto LDPE film was supported by the XPS spectroscopy. The atomic composition of C decreased 13% after LDPE film was grafted with BSO. While, the O content increases from values of 6.9% to 19.2% after grafting reaction. The increment percentage of O1s after grafting reaction mainly caused by the incorporation of oxygen content of a new polar functional groups of BSO on the surface of LDPE films. These results are in good agreement with FTIR analysis.

Development of a natamycin-based non-migratory antimicrobial active packaging for extending shelf-life of yogurt drink (Doogh)

A natamycin-based non-migratory antimicrobial packaging for extending shelf-life of yogurt drink (Doogh) was developed. Firstly, the surface of low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) was modified with acrylic acid at different times of UV exposure (0–10 min) to produce carboxylic functional groups. Then, natamycin was applied to the UV-treated films to bind covalently with the pendent functional groups. The maximum grafting efficiency (81.96%) was obtained for the 6 min treated film. Moreover, surface properties of films were evaluated by Attenuated Total Reflectance/Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antifungal activity of different treatments of natamycin grafted film was evaluated against two common spoilage yeasts of Doogh including Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Candida parapsilosis. Results showed that 6 min treated film provides maximum anti-yeast activity and can be applied to control fungal growth in Doogh. Natamycin-grafted film postponed the yeast spoilage in Doogh and prolonged its shelf-life to 23 days.

Surface characterization of plasma-modified low density polyethylene by attenuated total reflectance fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) on polymer substrates often requires a modification of the polymer surface properties. Plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) process is capable of establishing improved coating/substrate adhesion and layer properties by a plasma pre-treatment prior to the layer deposition. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were plasma treated using different gases (N2, O2, and N2+O2 mixture) for various exposure times. A novel method was proposed to reveal the chemical changes in the surface region of LDPE films with attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis. The loading plots of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the formation of polar functional groups on the surface of LDPE films, as a result of plasma pre-treatment. PCA was also able to explore the differences and similarities in the chemical modifications of LDPE originated from different plasma gas and exposure time.

Long- and short-term antibacterial properties of low-density polyethylene-based films coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles for potential use in food packaging

Concerns in food safety and the need for high-quality foods have increased the demand for extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Subsequently, promoting and investigating the development of antibacterial materials for food packaging has become inevitable. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have attracted attention lately owing to their multifunctional properties, especially antibacterial activity. For this study, antibacterial low-density polyethylene films were prepared by coating zinc oxide nanoparticles onto their surface. The low-density polyethylene film antibacterial activity was evaluated toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that using anhydride-modified low-density polyethylene (LDPE-g-AM) resin permitted improved zinc oxide nanoparticle distribution on the low-density polyethylene film surface, reduced the agglomerate sizes, and reinforced the zinc oxide nanoparticle bonding to the low-density polyethylene film surface. We found that the coated low-density polyethylene films exhibited high antibacterial activity against both strains. The antibacterial tests also proved that the coated films retained their antibacterial efficiency toward Escherichia coli, even after eight months, with a reduction rate higher than 99.9%, whereas for Staphylococcus aureus the antibacterial properties for the linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films decreased at eight months and improved for the LDPE-g-AM films. When the zinc oxide coated films were laminated with neat low-density polyethylene, only the LDPE-g-AM was still active against E. coli provided that the lamination thickness does not go beyond 8 µm. This research demonstrated that the coated low-density polyethylene films have excellent attributes when used as an active coating in the food packaging industry.

Plastic degrading fungi Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus nomius isolated from local landfill soil in Medan

Plastic is a naturally recalcitrant polymer, once it enters the environment, it will remain there for many years. Accumulation of plastic as wastes in the environment poses a serious problem and causes an ecological threat. Alternative strategies to reduce accumulation of plastic wastes have been initiated and implemented from a different aspect including from microbiological view point. The study to obtain potential fungi in degrading plastic molecule has been initiated in our laboratory. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic was used as a tested material. Candidate fungi were isolated from local landfill soil. The fungi were cultured in mineral salt medium broth containing LDPE powder. Two of nine isolates showed best growth response in broth media containing LDPE. These isolates (RH03 and RH06) were used in degradation test. Results showed that isolate RH03 and RH06 reduced the weight of LDPE film by 5.13% and 6.63%, respectively after 45 days of cultivation. The tensile strength of treated film even reduced significantly by 58% and 40% of each isolate. Analyses of electron micrograph exhibited grove ands rough were formed on the surface of LDPE film. These were not found in the untreated film. Furthermore, molecular analysis through polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing indicated that RH03 is Trichoderma viride and RH06 is Aspergillus nomius with 97% and 96% similarities, respectively.

Visible light-induced thione-ene cycloaddition reaction for the surface modification of polymeric materials

High-tech applications often demand the surface modification of polymeric materials using chemoselective reactions that can proceed under mild conditions. In this paper, a feasible method for the surface modification of polymeric materials with low density polyethylene (LDPE) films as model substrates based on visible light-induced thione-ene cycloaddition reaction is proposed. This strategy includes three steps: 3-((6-Hydroxyhexyl)oxy)-9H-xanthene-9-thione (HXT) containing visible light-reactive thiocarbonyl groups was firstly synthesized; Then thiocarbonyl groups were introduced onto LDPE films previously surface-grafted with poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) brushes by the reaction between the hydroxyl groups of HXT and anhydride groups; Functional alkenes were finally fixed onto the surface of LDPE films by thione-ene cycloaddition reaction conducted under visible light at room temperature (r.t.). By FTIR, UV–vis spectroscopy, water contact angle test and XPS, we found that four typical functional alkenes, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ethermethacrylate, 2-(perflurooctyl)ethyl methacrylate, 2, 3-dibromopropyl acrylate, and diethyl vinylphosphonate, can be successfully ligated, which confirmed the effectiveness and versatility of the present method.

Effect of surface state on DC breakdown of LDPE films

Interface between the metal electrode and insulating material affects dielectric performance of the whole insulating system significantly. In this study, low density polyethylene (LDPE) films were treated in ozone atmosphere for different time duration to investigate the effect of interface state on breakdown performance. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) results show that carbonyl group (C=O) is introduced into the surface of LDPE film after ozone treatment, and the amount of C=O groups increases when the ozone oxidation time extends. Surface trap distribution characterized by surface potential decay (SPD) reveals that two hole-type traps exist in the surface of LDPE and ozone treated specimens. Both trap levels become shallower and the density of deeper level traps decreases with the increasing ozone oxidation time, while that of shallower level traps increases. Space charge distribution measured by pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) method suggests that more positive charges are injected into specimens from the anode and accumulated in the vicinity of cathode after ozone treatment. Furthermore, the dc breakdown strength declines monotonously with longer ozone treatment time, and the lowest breakdown strength of specimen occurs after 6 hours, decreasing by 26.9% compared with that of untreated LDPE. Finally, it is concluded that ozone treatment results in changing of surface chemical composition, which determines surface trap distribution (surface state), leading to the variation of charge injection and accumulation properties as well as the subsequent breakdown performance.

Polymer surface modification using UV treatment for attachment of natamycin and the potential applications for conventional food cling wrap (LDPE)

The purpose of this study was to develop an active non-migratory antifungal Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) polymer for use in food packaged applications. The functional acrylic acid monomer was grafted on the LDPE film surface by photo-initiated graft polymerization using Ultra Violet light irradiation (from 0 to 5min). Natamycin, an antifungal agent, was applied to the treated film to bind with the pendent functional groups and were evaluated its performance against mold and yeast. The grafted amounts were determined by gravimetric measurement and dye absorbance. Attenuated Total Reflectance/Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical strength test was used to characterize film properties. The antifungal efficacy of the film was evaluated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium chrysogenum on growth media and fresh cut cantaloupe. The amounts of the grafted group were increased with the longer ultraviolet exposure time. The amount of the grafted natamycin on the treated film was up to 49.87μg/cm2, and the film inhibited mycelium formation of P. chrysogenum spores by over 60%. Due to the thickness of the film (less than 12.25μm), long time UV exposure decrease the film’s mechanical strength. The application of such non-migratory active packaging film represents a promising approach to maintaining food quality with reduced additive.

Cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma assisted tailoring of LDPE film surfaces for enhancement of adhesive and cytocompatible properties: Influence of operating parameters

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) plays a vital role in tissue engineering application because of its superior bulk properties. However, the cell affinity is one of the significant factors in determining the cell compatibility of polymers which depends on the surface properties such as hydrophilicity, surface chemistry and morphology. Due to intrinsic poor surface properties, the cell affinity is one of the major deterrents of LDPE films in biomedical applications. Hence, in the present investigation we discuss the influence of operating parameters such as applied potential, exposure time and type of plasma processing gases on the improvement of surface and cell compatible properties of the LDPE film using cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma. The surface chemistry and hydrophilicity of the LDPE films were examined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle (CA) respectively. Further, surface energy (SE) of the LDPE films were estimated from CA data by Fowke's approximation method. The quantification of topographical changes on the surface of LDPE films was carried out by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adhesive strength of the surface modified films was analyzed by T-peel and lap shear tests. Finally, in vitro cytocompatibility studies of the surface modified LDPE films were carried out using NIH3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cells. The results obtained from various characterization techniques evidently revealed that CAP plasma treatment enhanced the surface properties (hydrophilicity, surface morphology and surface chemistry) of the LDPE films. These physico-chemical changes induced by the CAP plasma treatment facilitates the improvement in adhesive strength as well as adhesion and proliferation of cells on the surface of LDPE films.

Effect of cold atmospheric pressure plasma gas composition on the surface and cyto-compatible properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films

In the present investigation, we have studied the influence of oxygen (O2) flow rate in the atmospheric pressure argon (Ar) plasma zone for improvement of the surface and cell compatible properties of LDPE film. Various characterization techniques such as contact angle (CA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), etc were used to investigate the hydrophilicity, surface chemistry and morphology of LDPE films respectively. Fowke's approximation method was used to evaluate the polar and dispersion components of the total surface energy of LDPE films using contact angle values of three testing liquids. Moreover T-peel and lap shear tests were used to analyze the adhesive strength of the surface modified LDPE films. Finally cyto-compatibility of the surface modified LDPE film was analyzed by in vitro cell compatibility analysis which includes the cell viability and adhesion using NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. The results obtained from various characterization techniques evidently revealed that cold atmospheric pressure (CAP) plasma treatment enhanced the surface properties (hydrophilicity, surface morphology and surface chemistry) of LDPE film. Owing to tailored physico-chemical changes induced by the CAP plasma treatment facilitates improvement in adhesive strength as well as adhesion and proliferation of cells on the surface of LDPE films.

Synthesis, Surface Activity, and Antifogging Property of Triethanolamine Monolaurate Ester

Triethanolamine monolaurate ester was synthesized by lauric acid and triethanolamine (TEA) with a molar ratio around 1:1 and the esterification process was investigated and optimized. The esterification product of lauric acid with TEA was characterized by infrared spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance. The surface tension (γCMC) at the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined, and the antifogging properties of triethanolamine laurate ester on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were also measured. The results indicated that the yield of triethanolamine monolaurate ester was more than 69% under optimized esterification condition, the CMC value and γCMC of esterification product was 0.91 μg/mL and 22.1 mN/m in aqueous solution at 25 °C, respectively. The first-drop time and ten-drop time was 257 and 86 s, respectively, and the antifogging duration of triethanolamine laurate ester on the surface of LDPE film at 60 °C was more than 150 h.

Uses of 2-hydroxypropyl-3-piperazinyl-quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate and Terbutryn as algaecides in low-density polyethylene mulching films for agricultural applications

The aim of this work concerned the performances and limitations of uses of two commercial biocides, namely 2-hydroxypropyl-3-piperazinyl-quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate and N2- tert-butyl- N4-ethyl-6-methylthio-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (Terbutryn), in low-density polyethylene mulching film for agricultural application. The effects of type and algaecide concentration as well as aging deterioration of low-density polyethylene film surfaces were studied in relation to the mechanical, physical, and antialgal properties of the low-density polyethylene films. For antialgal evaluation, disk diffusion test and chlorophyll- a measurement technique were carried out on Chlorella vulgaris, a single-cell green algae, and Phormidium angustissimum, a blue-green algae. The results suggested that adding 2-hydroxypropyl-3-piperazinyl-quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate or Terbutryn tended to slightly increase the lightness value (L*) of specimens, but did not affect the film mechanical properties. The disk diffusion test indicated that only Terbutryn at 600–1000 ppm resulted in clear zone development against C. vulgaris for low-density polyethylene film specimens. Regarding the quantitative study by chlorophyll- a measurement technique, the antialgal activities of low-density polyethylene films gradually improved with increasing algaecide concentrations. Terbutryn appeared to show more effective antialgal efficacy than 2-hydroxypropyl-3-piperazinyl-quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate. Under aging deterioration, Terbutryn-low-density polyethylene films showed less degradation of mechanical properties than neat low-density polyethylene films. However, the antialgal activity of Terbutryn-low-density polyethylene films at various algaecide concentrations was reduced under both accelerated UV weathering and natural outdoor exposure.

Low-pressure plasma enhanced immobilization of chitosan on low-density polyethylene for bio-medical applications

With the aim of improving blood compatibility of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films, an effective low-pressure plasma technology was employed to functionalize the LDPE film surfaces through in-situ grafting of acrylic acid (AAc). Subsequently, the molecules of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and chitosan (CHI) were immobilized on the surface of grafted LDPE films. The unmodified and modified LDPE films were analyzed using various characterization techniques such as contact angle, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) to understand the changes in surface properties such as hydrophilicity, surface topography and chemical composition, respectively. Furthermore, LDPE films have been subjected to an ageing process to determine the durability of the plasma assisted surface modification. The blood compatibility of the surface modified LDPE films was confirmed by in vitro tests. It was found that surface modified LDPE films show better hydrophilic behavior compared with the unmodified one. FTIR and XPS results confirm the successful immobilization of CHI on the surface of LDPE films. LDPE films showed marked morphological changes after grafting of AAc, PEG and CHI which were confirmed through AFM imaging. The in vitro blood compatibility tests have clearly demonstrated that CHI immobilized LDPE films exhibit remarkable anti thrombogenic nature compared with other modified films. Surface modified LDPE films through low-pressure plasma technique could be adequate for biomedical implants such as artificial skin substrates, urethral catheters or cardiac stents, among others.

Fabrication of Polyethylene Surface with Stable Superhydrophobicity by Nanoparticle Assisted Thermal Micromolding Process

Superhydrophobic surface with lotus leaf effect has many practical and potential applications in different fields. In this paper, a novel process based on nanoparticle assisted thermal micromolding was developed to create polyethylene superhydrophobic surface. Briefly, a thin layer of TiO2 nanoparticles was first coated on the featured surface of the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamp replicated from a fresh lotus leaf. Then low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was thermally pressed onto such TiO2 coated stamp. A control process was also performed by thermally pressing TiO2/LDPE nanocomposite material onto a blank PDMS stamp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and contact angle measurements showed that the surfaces of LDPE films replicated from stamp coated with TiO2 had more delicate nano-structures and higher water contact angles (> or = 155 degrees) than those replicated from the blank stamp. Moreover, the superhydrophobic surface formed by TiO2 assisted micromolding was relatively stable under water stream with high pressure. This study shows that nanoparticle assisted micromolding is an alternative technique to other techniques for large scale production of superhydrophobic polymeric films.

Electret properties of polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene films with chemically modified surface

This paper investigates the effect of chemical surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) films on their electret properties. PTFE films were subjected to wet treatment with three different chemicals: orthophosphoric acid, tetrabutyl titanate and tetraethoxysilane. The technique based on the principles of molecular layer deposition (MLD) method was used to modify the surface of LDPE films with phosphorus trichloride vapors. The surfaces of the films were then corona charged, and the electret charge stability was studied by means of isothermal and thermally stimulated surface potential decay. Both PTFE and LDPE films, after the surface treatment, displayed a considerable enhancement in the charge stability compared to the virgin samples. It is important to note that the enhancement of the charge stability was achieved in the positively charged PTFE films, a result important to practical applications. We attribute this effect of charge stabilization to the formation of new energetically deep traps on the modified surface. Decrease in molecular mobility, due to attachment of new chemical structures to the surface macro molecules, may also contribute to the overall growth of the charge stability.

Study of the aging process of corona discharge plasma effects on low density polyethylene film surface

A study of the durability of corona discharge plasma effects on a polymer surface was investigated in this work. We used the corona discharge plasma technique to modify the wettability properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film and evaluated the influence of relative humidity and temperature on the aging process with three different storage conditions. The effects of the aging process on the plasma-treated surface of LDPE film were quantified by contact angle measurements, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results obtained with these techniques have allowed us to determine how the aging process promotes changes in the plasma-treated surface by decreasing its wettability and taking place a remarkable hydrophobic recovery process.

Surface Modification of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Film Using Corona Discharge Plasma for Technological Applications

Surface modification by corona discharge plasma is one of the most interesting industrial applications for surface modification compared with other techniques which require vacuum conditions. In this work, we have used the corona discharge plasma technique to modify the wettability properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The effects of this treatment on the surface of LDPE film have been quantified by contact angle measurements, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. With these methods, we have determined how the treatment modifies, activates and functionalizes the surface of LDPE film, increasing its hydrophilic behavior, and how the process parameters influence the uniformity and homogeneity of the treated surface. The results obtained show good treatment homogeneity and an improvement of adhesion properties by the functionalization and etching of the film surface.