Comparison of glow argon plasma-induced surface changes of thermoplastic polymers

Modification of high-density polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene (PS), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) by Ar plasma was studied. The amount of the ablated material was determined by gravimetry. Wettability of polymers after the plasma treatment was determined from the contact angle measurement. The changes in the surface morphology of polymers were observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Chemical structure of modified polymers was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Surface changes were also studied by the determination of electrokinetic potential (ζ-potential). It was found that under the plasma treatment the polymers are ablated and their surface morphology and roughness are changed dramatically. XPS measurements indicate an oxidation of the polymer surface. The plasma treatment results in a dramatic increase of the ζ-potential. EPR data show different radical amount present on the treated surface of all polymers. Most significant changes due to the degradation of polymer chains are observed on PTFE.