EU3+ IONS IN THE MODIFIED MATRIX POLYETHYLENE POLY(ACRYLIC ACID) - FLUORESCENCE STUDIES

Ion exchange between H+ and Eu3+ ions was studied in the material modified by in situ sorption and thermal polymerization of acrylic acid in low density polyethylene films (LDPE-PAA). The effects of the temperature and film thickness on the ion exchange were observed using fluorescence spectroscopy. The ion exchange was investigated at 60, 70 and 80-degrees-C and was most efficient at 80-degrees-C. At this temperature 42% of the ion exchange at the saturation time was observed in the matrix (200 um thick). The percent of ion exchange at saturation increases with the matrix film thickness reaching 72% of Eu3+ions in LDPE-PAA. Ion exchange occurs mainly in the film surface or in the neighbouring layers.