Ketone formation, polymer coating

Surface oxidation reactions have been carried out on a number of polymers, particularly polyethylene. Surface oxidation techniques include the use of corona discharge, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, nitrous acid, alkaline hypochloride, UV irradiation, oxidizing flame, and chromic acid The reactions lead initially to the formation of hydroperoxides, which catalyze the formation of aldehydes and ketones and finally, acids and esters. Surface oxidation treatment has been used to increase the printabdity of polyethylene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) and to improve the adhesion of polyethylene and polypropylene to polar polymers and that of polytetrafluoroethylene to pressure-sensitive tapes. Surface-oxidized polyethylene, when coated with a thin film of vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile, and acryhc acid terpolymers becomes impermeable to oxygen and more resistant to grease, oil, abrasion, and high temperatures. The greasy feel of polyethylene has also been removed by surface oxidation. 

Methyl butyl ketone [591-78-6] (MBK, 2-hexanone) is slightly soluble in water, miscible with organic solvents. Being a medium boiler it dissolves cellulose nitrate, vinyl polymers and copolymers, and natural and synthetic resins. It increases the dilutability with non-solvents and diluents. As a paint solvent, methyl butyl ketone is important only in hot-spraying and coil-coating paints. It has a very low MAK value and is recommended as a solvent because it is photochemically inactive and does not, therefore, contribute to the formation of photosmog. ... 

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