Surface properties and depth analysis of polyethylene/polydimethylsiloxane composite prepared by using supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract

Blends of polyethylene (PE) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are usually immiscible and have phase-separated morphology. In this study, the polymer composite comprising PE and PDMS with a hydrophobic surface was developed. This composite was obtained by a synthetic method using supercritical carbon dioxide. Results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that PDMS was located on the surface of the PE substrate. Scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) measurement provided the depth information indicating that PDMS existed in the PE substrate. Water contact angle measurement revealed that the hydrophobicity of PE had been improved from 94 to 1051 by incorporating PDMS.