AbstractA method for the UV‐light irradation and grafting of polyethylene films with methacrylic acid destined for alkaline cell separators is described. The conditions of crosslinking and grafting with methacrylic acid and toluene solutions of this acid are studied with the aim of obtaining a favourable combination of separator qualities: low electric resistence and high chemical stability. Some of the factors graft level are investigated and the relationship between this level and electrochemical properties of the membranes are discussed.Preliminary cyling test with zinc‐air cells and zinc‐silver cells characterize the grafted polyethylene membranes as a very promising separator mat