Modified polyolefins are produced by reacting a functionalized polyolefin
with one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds having a functional
group reactive with the functional group on the polyolefin. These
modified polyolefins may then polymerize in the presence of a
photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and also have the
capability of copolymerizing in the presence of a photoinitiator with
other ethylenically unsaturated crosslinking agents upon exposure to
ultraviolet radiation. These modified polyolefins may also contain
pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic
salts with amines, and therefore may be rendered water-dispersible. The
modified polyolefins of the present invention significantly improve the
adhesion of paints, inks, and adhesives to various plastic and metal
substrates.