Amination and Oxidation Reactions on Polyethylene Surfaces by Ammonia Plasma Treatment

The effects of primary amino groups' introduction treated by ammonia plasma on linear low-density polyethylene (L-LDPE) were investigated. The introduction of the primary amino groups on the L-LDPE surface was carried out by three kinds of approaches. These approaches were the use of conventional ammonia plasma, plasma treatment of hydrogen gas blended into ammonia gas, and ammonia plasma treatment under hydrogen. Primary amino groups could be introduced with three kinds of ammonia plasma. Amide groups were also introduced simultaneously, which suggested the oxidation of polyethylene surfaces. The ammonia plasma treatment under a hydrogen gas atmosphere is the most effective to introduce primary amino groups into a polyethylene surface selectively.