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Comparison of oxygen plasma and cutinase effect on polyethylene terephthalate surface
Author(s) -
Tkavc Tina,
Vesel Alenka,
Acero Enrique Herrero,
Fras Zemljič Lidija
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.38526
Subject(s) - cutinase , potentiometric titration , adsorption , polyethylene terephthalate , chitosan , zeta potential , titration , surface modification , x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , polymer chemistry , chemical engineering , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , contact angle , chemistry , materials science , nuclear chemistry , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , composite material , enzyme , ion , nanoparticle , engineering
The aim of the study is to activate inert PET surface in order to introduce the carboxyl groups and to obtain its hydrophilic character. Two advanced and environmentally friendly techniques were used for these purposes: i) oxygen plasma activation; ii) enzymatic treatment by cutinase. Differently treated PET foils were studied in terms of carboxylic group content (non‐aqueous potentiometric titrations, XPS) and hydrophobic/hydrophilic character (goniometry). Moreover, the influence of both activation procedures onto chitosan adsorption was examined by XPS, zeta potential measurements and ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy. Obtained results show that plasma activation gives for around 19% higher amount of carboxylic groups than cutinase treatment and is during the storage less stable. Results clearly show that the use of both surfaces activation processes increases the ability of PET foils for chitosan adsorption. Due to the fact that chitosan is an antimicrobial agent, obtained materials may be applied as an active packaging system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013