The structure and adhesion properties of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) powder grafted with acrylic acid (AA) via Ultraviolet light (UV) were Studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle, peel strength, and graft degree measurements. The results show that the chemically inert LLDPE powder can be graft-copolymerized with AA via this photografting method. The graft degree increases with the ultraviolet irradiation time. The hydrophilicity of the grafted LLDPE powder and the peel strength of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/steel joint with the grafted LLDPE powder used as hot-melt adhesive are improved considerably, as compared to that with the ungrafted LLDPE powder. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.