Surface grafting, photochemical reactions

Surface functionalisation of PE with succinic anhydride followed by derivatisation via ring opening reaction yielded surfaces with different functional groups [128]. The PE films were photochemically grafted with maleic anhydride in vapour phase in a reaction involving benzophenone and acetone at 60 °C for 5 h under UV irradiation with a 400 W mercury vapour lamp. The chemical transformation of PE film bearing succinic anhydride group is schematically presented in Scheme 8. 

In conclusion, we would like to dwell on the fact that the present study demonstrates the feasability of a photochemical treatment, through a grafting reaction, of a cellulosic substrate. It is obvious that the results cannot be easily extrapolated to the case of an industrial process of surface modification of the pulps. In fact, due to its low penetration, UV light can be... 

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