Radiation grafted polyelectrolytes

Modified Surfaces. It is frequently desirable to change the surface of a polymer. Nonpolar surfaces of plastics are characterized by static electricity buildup, non-wetting, poor adhesion, low printability, and poor dyeing. These disadvantages can be overcome by grafting polar vinyl monomers upon the surface by irradiation. A. S. Hoffman describes radiation grafting of polyelectrolytes upon nonpolar surfaces, and A. Chapiro and co-workers discuss radiation grafting of acrylic acid and vinyl pyridene upon Teflon films. 

Radiation-induced grafting29 was used for the preparation of low-cost polyelectrolyte membranes needed for fuel-cells30. Guzman-Garcia and coworkers29 studied the grafting of poly(styrenesulphonic acid)on polystyrene on a copolymer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) with polystyrene, and with a copolymer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) with poly(perfluoropropylene). 

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