| abstract |
Method and apparatus for treating ultrahigh molecular weight, high strength polyolefin to improve its adhesive bonding to a resin such as epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester, polyurethane, polyolefin or thermoplastic rubber are provided. The method includes the steps of soaking the polyolefin in a first solution comprising (i) an aromatic ketone photosensitizer, and (ii) a first solvent selected from the group consisting of a benzene derivative, an alkyl halide, and a cyclic alkane; removing any excess first solvent; coating the surface of the polyolefin with a second solution comprising (i) about 15 to 70 weight percent of a monomer independently selected from the aforementioned group, (ii) about 0.25 to 5 weight percent of an aromatic ketone photosensitizer, and (iii) about 25 to 84.75 weight percent of a solvent selected from the group consisting of a low boiling point alcohol and a low boiling point ketone; exposing the coated polyolefin to a sufficient amount of irradiation to surface graft the monomer of the second solution to the polyolefin; washing the treated polyolefin; and drying for suitable packaging. The apparatus features an irradiation treatment chamber through which the polyolefin is passed in a cooled tube for treatment. |