Research at Surrey has historically focused on the functionalisation of ETFE and LDPE polymer films by radiation grafting (RG) using chemical activation via high-energy electron beam irradiation; if vinylbenzyl chloride(VBC) is grafted onto LDPE films and subsequently aminated to produce polybenzyltrimethylammonium amine group, this leads to the formation of anion-exchange membranes (AEMs). A major limitation of this approach is the non-local availability of e-beam irradiation facilities, which can cause logistical challenges.

This project aims to investigate the replacement of large complex radiation infrastructure, e-beaming with a simple, local lab based solution (Ultrasound-kit), for the functionalisation of ETFE and LDPE films. Ultrasound frequency of 400 kHz down-selected for the production of OH• free radicals. The application of ultrasound to water at a frequency of 400 kHz generates an optimal concentration of free radicals under the given setup. This thesis tests the hypothesis that if these free radicals allow the sonochemical activation of polymer film (generate polymer bond radicals), which can be sonografted with VBC to form functional polymers.