Abstract
Multi-layered laminates composed of two polyethylene (PE)-glycidyl methacrylate copolymers sheets and an inserted polypropylene (PP) sheet were fabricated, and the peel adhesive strengths of the laminates were evaluated. The surfaces of PP sheet were pre-treated by O2-plasma to make reactive groups on the surfaces. The relation between the amount of reactive groups and the peel adhesive strength was evaluated. Also, the mechanisms of peel adhesive strengths were discussed using scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces. The interfacial adhesion of PE/PP was improved with the amount of the reactive groups. As the results, the dilatational plastic deformation including cavitation occurred in the PE layer at the vicinity of the interface of PE/PP, where mechanical constraint would be strong. The plastic deformation of the bulk PE layer by the improvement of the interfacial adhesion is responsible for the energy absorption, which resulted in the increased peel adhesive strengths.
