Modification of solid-phase polymeric surface by means of grafting of acrylic monomers

Graft copolymerization onto a solid polymer surface is an effective tool for its modification. A large number of works have been published and require systematization. A search and review of English-language scientific literature devoted to the graft copolymerization of acrylic monomers onto a polymeric solid-phase surface have been carried out. Grafting onto plates and films, as well as fibers and colloidal particles, is considered. It has been revealed that the most popular substrates for graft copolymerization are, besides polyethylene, propylene and polyethylene terephthalate; polyurethanes, polyfluoroethylenes, rubbers, etc. Graft polymerization mainly proceeds on amorphous areas of the substrate and does not destroy the crystalline phase. It is possible to use the methods of controlled radical polymerization (ATRP, RAFT). Of the acrylic monomers, acrylic and methacrylic acids, glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, and others have been used, while the main method has been UV photopolymerization with an initiator–benzophenone. Of the three aliphatic ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and methyl propyl ketone), acetone has been the best solvent. Cophotoinitiators have been also used (a synergistic effect was observed), corona discharge, gamma radiation (60Co), ozone and plasma treatment, and a supercritical CO2 medium. The degree of grafting has been controlled by changing the soaking time in the monomer, pressure, concentration of monomer and initiator in the liquid phase, reaction temperature and reaction time. A new technology of graft polymerization with photopatterning has also been proposed. Problems of graft polymerization in terms of surface modification of polymer materials (hydrophilization of the surface, improving paintability and wettability, enhancing adhesion to certain surfaces, biocompatibility) are touched upon, and possible areas of their application are outlined.