Electrografting of Preformed Aliphatic Polyesters onto Metallic Surfaces

Preformed aliphatic polyesters bearing pendent acrylate groups, poly(4-acryloyloxy-ε-caprolactone)- co -ε-caprolactone) [poly(ACL- co -εCL)], were grafted onto metallic surfaces by a cathodic electrochemical process. Content of acrylates must exceed a lower limit for them to be adsorbed on the cathode with the proper orientation and for the grafting to be successful. The strongly adhering films were analyzed by IR reflection−absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. As a result of the known miscibility of poly-ε-caprolactone with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), the pregrafting of poly(ACL- co -εCL) imparts strong adhesion to PVC topcoats.