Immobilization of poly(ethylene oxide) on poly(ethylene terephthalate) using a plasma polymerization process

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Abstract
Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been covalently immobilized on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films using a radio frequency glow discharge polymer deposition process, followed by chemical coupling. Amino or hydroxyl groups were introduced onto the surface of the PET by exposing the films to allylamine and allyl alcohol plasmas. These functional groups were activated with cyanuric chloride, and then they were reacted with PEO. ESCA and water contact angle studies were used to characterize the surfaces of these films during the different stages of the reaction. The films containing the higher molecular weight PEO exhibited an increase in the CO peak of the Cls ESCA spectrum and an increase in oxygen content on the film surfaces. Increasing the molecular weight of the PEO attached to the PET also resulted in an increased wettability of the films.