Laser-induced surface modifications of poly(ether ether ketone): influenceof the excimer laser wavelength

The modifications induced by excimer laser irradiation of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) surfaces have been investigated as a function of the laser p rocess parameters for laser fluences below the material ablation threshold. In the case of 193 nm laser treatment, a significant increase in the adhes ion properties of PEEK was obtained due to the formation of new polar and r eactive groups on the surface. The extent of these reactive groups has to b e controlled since their presence in high concentration may also have a neg ative effect on the mechanical properties of the treated surface. Laser tre atments using 248 nm radiation did not result in a significant increase in the adhesion properties of PEEK. This probably results from thermal degrada tion of the surface at this laser wavelength.