Hydrophilization of polypropylene films by poly(ethylene oxide) via intercrystallite crazing

Nanocomposite materials based on the incompatible polymers polypropylene and poly(ethylene oxide) were prepared. The stretching of polypropylene films in water–ethanol solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) proceeds via intercrystallite crazing, and it is accompanied by the penetration of poly(ethylene oxide) macromolecules into the porous structure of a polypropylene matrix. The incorporation of a hydrophilic component provides an efficient hydrophilization of the initial hydrophobic polypropylene films.