Halogen Plasma Treatment of Polyethylene Surfaces

Abstract

Plasma treatments of polyethylene surfaces with halogens, especially bromine and iodine were investigated. In addition, after halogen plasma treatment had been done, the treated substrate was exposed to the vapor of same halogen to increase the contents of the halogen in the substrates. From the results by ESCA analysis, it became apparent that the bromine and the iodine had been bonded chemically into the surface of polyethylene substrate. The reaction of I₂-plasma-treated polyethylene with amino alcohol solution made the substrate hydrophilic.