ABSTRACT: Polypropylene has poor adhesivity due to its low surface free energy and to the existence of weakly bonded surface layers. In this work we studied the influence of the photo-oxidation in the surface properties of that material. In general pure polyolefins do not absorb UV light, but impurities or defects remaining from the synthesis process or generated in its thermal processing as hydroperoxide and carbonyl groups initiate intensive photo-oxidation of such polymers. Polypropylene plates were irradiated and its adhesion properties measured after joined with leather using commercial adhesives. The results indicate an increase in polymer adhesivity.
Polypropylene; adhesion; photo-oxidation
