Treating UHMWPE surface for enhancing the adhesion properties by cellulose grafting

The surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was grafted by cellulose through using ultraviolet initiation. Benzophenone was used as a coupling agent. The success of cellulose grafting has been proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical analysis of the glued UHMWPE films showed a presence of glue traces on the surface of the UHMWPE films. The best results were obtained after 1 h of mixed acids pre-treatment. An increase of 1400% in the tensile strength of the glued UHMWPE, and a decrease of 10% in the tensile strength of the oriented UHMWPE films were observed. Also, the presence of cellulose on the surface of the modified UHMWPE films were observed in the SEM micrographs. In comparison with the untreated UHMWPE films, contact angle measurements proved that the treated UHMWPE films were still hydrophobic. This approach to UHMWPE surface treatment could be used in preparing a hierarchical structure for some of the UHMWPE forms (for example a hierarchical structure of bulk, porous and UHMWPE films).