Abstract
ABSTRACTInductively coupled radio frequency (rf) H2O vapor plasma was used to modify a range of polymers to better elucidate the dependence of hydrophobic recovery on polymer composition and structure. Freshly modified and aged samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy, (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (XPS), and water contact angle (wCA) goniometry. Initially, wettability was increased on each polymer surface due to the implantation of polar oxide groups, an effect exacerbated by increased surface roughness with plasma treatment. Polypropylene and polystyrene exhibit nearly complete hydrophobic recovery as polar groups are subsumed as samples age. High‐density polyethylene and polycarbonate exhibit minimal hydrophobic recovery, owing to plasma‐induced cross‐linking and intrinsic thermal stability, respectively. Overall, the hydrophobic performance following H2O plasma modification is similar to other oxidizing plasmas, suggesting that recovery behavior is intrinsic to the polymer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41978.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
