Synthesis by plasma of potentially biodegradable oxidized polyethylene obtained from ethanol

A synthesis by plasma of polymers with structure of oxidized ethylene (PPEO) obtained from ethanol is presented in this work with the objective to obtain hydrophilic and potentially biodegradable PPEO films. The synthesis was carried with rf glow discharges in the 20–120 W interval obtaining films with a 0.38 μm/W growing rate thickness. Morphology, chemical structure, hydrophilicity and absorption of electromagnetic energy in the UV–visible interval were analyzed. The results indicated that PPEO has smooth surfaces with particles and/or folded areas with water contact angles between 72° and 97°, in the limit between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The structural chemical analysis showed the presence of C–H and O–H bonds characteristic of the monomer, and C=O and ≈C≈ groups characteristics of plasma polymers with dehydrogenation and formation of multiple bonds. The absorption of electromagnetic energy of PPEO was more intense in the UV than in the visible wavelength interval. These characteristics indicate that PPEO can be biodegradable under the sunlight and/or under wet environments.