Surface modification of polypropylene: Hydrophilic finishing with carbohydrates

Conversion of hydrophobic polypropylene surfaces to hydrophilic, water wettable surfaces by adsorption of amphiphilic carbohydrates (“surfactant immobilization”) as well as by covalent bonding of sucrose residues via azid photolysis (“photochemical immobilization”) was investigated. Improvement of surface hydrophilicity was determined by contact angle measurements and application of special test inks for polyolefines.