Atomic force microscopy study of polypropylene surfaces treated by UV and ozone exposure: modification of morphology and adhesion force

Exposing polypropylene (PP) to ozone in the presence of UV light is a simpl e and effective way of modifying its surface to improve its wettability and adhesion. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed a dramatic change in the mo rphology and a clear increase in the adhesion force resulting from the modi fication of a PP film by UV/ozone exposure. A relationship has been demonst rated between a change in surface energy (measured by wetting contact angle ) and the adhesion force (measured by AFM). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.