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Advanced method for efficient functionalization of polymers by intermediate free-radical formation with vacuum-ultraviolet radiation and producing superhydrophilic surfacesAlenka Vesel,
Rok Zaplotnik,
Miran Mozetič,
Nina Recek, 2023, original scientific article
Abstract: An efficient approach for tailoring surface properties of polymers is presented, which enables rapid modification leading to superhydrophilic properties. The approach is based on vacuum-ultraviolet radiation (VUV) pretreatment of the surface to create reactive dangling bonds. This step is followed by a second treatment using neutral oxygen atoms that react with the dangling bonds and form functional groups. The beneficial effect of VUV pretreatment for enhanced functionalization was clearly demonstrated by comparing VUV pretreatment in plasmas created in different gases, i.e., hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, which differ in the intensity of VUV/UV radiation. The emission intensity of VUV radiation for all gases was measured by vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy. It was shown that VUV has a strong influence on the treatment time and final surface wettability. A superhydrophilic surface was obtained only if using VUV pretreatment. Furthermore, the treatment time was significantly reduced to only a second of treatment. These findings show that such an approach may be used to enhance the surface reaction efficiency for further grafting of chemical groups.
Keywords: plasma treatment, vacuum-ultraviolet radiation treatment, surface functionalization, polymer polyvinyl chloride, vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy, vacuum-ultraviolet photons
Published in DiRROS: 06.06.2023; Views: 382; Downloads: 193
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