Poly corona-discharge treatment

L. J. Gerenser, J. M. Pochan, J. F. Elman, and M. G. Mason, Effect of Corona Discharge Treatment of Poly(Ethylene-Terephthalate) on the Adsorption Characteristics of the Fluorosurfactant Zonyl FSC as Studied via ESCA and Surface-Energy Measurements, Langmuir, 2, 765-770 (1986). 

Films of polyolefins, polyamides and poly(vinylidene dichloride) are made using this technique. As most of the films are used for flexible packaging, further down-stream surface treatments are usually applied to improve performance. For example, aqueous polymer emulsions, e.g., poly(vinylidene dichloride), or delaminated clay particles improve the barrier properties as will metallising with aluminium vapour. Corona discharge, causing slight surface oxidation, improves printability. 

The use of static SIMS for the characterization of surfaces of polypropylene (PP), PTFE and a PMDA-ODA type poly-imide is described. Interfaces between evaporated copper or chromium films onto PTFE and polyimide were also analyzed. Some of the polymer substrates were modified by ion beams, corona discharge in air or plasma treatments in air, At and H2. It is demonstrated that SIMS is highly complementary to XPS for the analysis of such modified surfaces, in that effects such as crosslinking, unsaturation and formation of low-molecular weight material at surfaces can be detected. 

Surface oxidation reactions have been carried out on a number of polymers, particularly polyethylene. Surface oxidation techniques include the use of corona discharge, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, nitrous acid, alkaline hypochloride, UV irradiation, oxidizing flame, and chromic acid The reactions lead initially to the formation of hydroperoxides, which catalyze the formation of aldehydes and ketones and finally, acids and esters. Surface oxidation treatment has been used to increase the printabdity of polyethylene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) and to improve the adhesion of polyethylene and polypropylene to polar polymers and that of polytetrafluoroethylene to pressure-sensitive tapes. Surface-oxidized polyethylene, when coated with a thin film of vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile, and acryhc acid terpolymers becomes impermeable to oxygen and more resistant to grease, oil, abrasion, and high temperatures. The greasy feel of polyethylene has also been removed by surface oxidation. 

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