P. Laurens et al., Characterization of modifications of polymer surfaces after excimer laser treatments below the ablation threshold, APPL SURF S, 154, 2000, pp. 211-216
The modifications induced by excimer laser radiation on different types of
polymer surfaces (polyether-etherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate (PC) and epox
y resin) performed at laser fluences below the material ablation threshold
have been investigated. Particular attention was given to the role of laser
irradiation wavelength (193 or 248 nm) on the nature and properties of the
treated surfaces. Results indicate that a much stronger reactivity was obt
ained after treatments at 193 nm for all the investigated polymers. At this
wavelength, the original polymer surfaces are strongly modified by UV phot
ons; surface reorganization occurs and polar groups induce an increase in t
he surface wettability. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.