SYNOPSISPhotografting of N-isopropylacrylamide ( NIPAAm) on ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer films (thickness = 15,20, and 25 Fm) and low-and high-density polyethylene films (thickness = 30 pm) was carried out at 60°C in a water medium. Xanthone was used as a photoinitiator by coating it on the film samples. The resultant NIPAAm-grafted films exhibited a temperature-responsive character, which was evaluated by measuring a dimensional change of the grafted films. The grafted films swelled and shrank in water at temperatures lower and higher than around 30"C, respectively. The character was found to be reversible between 0 and 50°C. It was observed that the extent of the character is largely influenced by film thickness, location of NIPAAm-grafted chains, and crystallinity of film substrate. 0 1994