Surface modification of polyvinyl chloride with biodegradable monomers

Graft copolymerization of sucrose acrylate (SA) onto 55 mu m films of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was investigated with benzophenone or 2,2'-azoisobutironitrile as the initiator. The grafting reactions were carried out in a closed cell containing the films to be treated with a solution of the sensitizer and the monomer. In this system, ultraviolet light through a quartz window initiated the reaction by exciting the initiator used. The grafting took place on a PVC surface layer, from the solution. The homopolymer formed during copolymerization was removed by washing. The percentage of grafting was determined by gravimetric measurements and by dye adsorption (crystal violet), and the characterization of PVC(g)SA was carried out by the use of infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The weathering behavior of PVC(g)SA was studied with microorganisms in a growing medium, and the degradation was monitored by the weight loss of the films, FTIR, and SEM. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.