FINE-SCALE MORPHOLOGY OF ULTRAVIOLET-OZONE ETCHED POLYETHYLENE

The process of ablation of the surface of polyethylene using ultraviol et radiation in the presence of ozone has been studied. The average ra te of material erosion is quite small but is selective, preferentially etching the amorphous regions. The resultant fine scale surface topog raphy has been examined using transmission electron microscopy of repl icas, and lamellae are readily visible. The light source emitted two p rincipal wavelengths, with the shorter wavelength affecting measured e tching rates more strongly.