Summary: Polyolefin surfaces, namely isotactic poly(propylene) (iPP) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), were modified by corona discharge plasma. The chemical changes on the modified surfaces were observed, deeply affecting the surface and the adhesive properties of the studied materials. The hydrophobic recovery in the case of iPP is considerably dependent on the polymer crystallinity. The presence of the processing agents in the LDPE has a significant influence on the surface hydrophobization dynamics.

The surface and adhesive properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) grafted by maleic anhydride (MA) have been investigated. The attention has been paid to the analysis of the change in hydrophilicity as well as to the interfacial equilibrium and mechanical work of the adhesion of MA grafted iPP copolymer (iPP‐g‐MA) containing various level of the grafted MA. The surface energy of iPP‐g‐MA increases with MA level. The value of the interfacial energy in adhesive joint of iPP‐g‐MA with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) decreases. The interfacial work of adhesion of iPP‐g‐MA to PVAc significantly increases with the growing content of the MA in the iPP‐g‐MA, mainly in its polar component. The mechanical work of adhesion of iPP‐g‐MA to PVAc enhances as well. The shear strength of joint between iPP‐g‐MA and the aluminum increases significantly with the content of the grafted MA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1207–1212, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers

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