Modification of Polypropylene with Surfactants for the Creation of Hybrid Conductive Devices Using Inkjet Printing Methods

Polypropylene is a widely used polymer material with good mechanical strength and chemical resistance. However, its low free surface energy limits the possibilities for post-production staining, especially when applying coatings and images.In this work, experiments were carried out to modify polypropylene nonwoven fabric (spunbond) using sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) in various concentrations. The following methods were used for characterization: optical microscopy was used to study surface morphology, analysis of contact angles to determine hydrophilicity, differential scanning calorimetry to assess the interaction of surfactants and polypropylene, as well as tests for breathability and image resistance to water. The results show that the modification of polypropylene SDS increases the hydrophilicity of the material, which improves adhesion to pigment inks and, therefore, makes it more suitable for digital inkjet printing. It has been found that a high concentration of SDS can reduce the breathability of the material, but this is not a critical limitation for most practical applications.The study demonstrates that the use of surfactants, especially in low concentrations, is an effective and economical method of modifying the PP surface, providing the necessary hydrophilicity and resistance to leaching, without significantly deteriorating the mechanical properties and visual characteristics of the material.