Effect of solvents on adhesion between polyethylene moldings and molten polyethylenes

The effect of a variety of solvents on adhesion between polyethylene moldings and molten polyethylenes has been investigated. The adhesive strengths between the molten polyethylenes heated in the range of 250 to 300°C and the polyethylene moldings, on which organic solvents, such as xylene, decalin, tetralin and o-dichlorobenzene were precoated, sharply increased, and indicated stable high values. This effect was evident for such molten polyethylenes as LDPE, HDPE and HMWPE. This results from the local dissolution of the polyethylene surface and molten polyethylenes, and subsequent recrystallization of polyethylene molecules in both the surface of the molten polyethylene and polyethylene moldings as the solvents evaporate.