The analysis of surface degradation on UV-treated epoxy/glass fiber by corona-charging properties

We tried to apply corona-charging properties to the analysis of polymer sur face degradation and demonstrated the inter-correlation between electrostat ic changes and chemical structures on the surface of UV-treated epoxy/glass fiber. It was possible to detect the change of surface energy states and c hemical structures with the measurement of contact angle and ESCA spectrum. Also, the changes of electrostatic behaviors were found through the result s of surface potential decay, polarity effects, and surface resistivity. Fi nally, we can conclude that the polymer surface degradation proceeds with t he formation of electric double layer by electrostatic force and the reorie ntation by thermodynamic force on the polymer surface. Especially, it was v ery important to find out the change of electrostatic behaviors by applying corona-charging properties. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.