Modification of tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer films in direct-current discharge

The effect of dc discharge treatment at the anode and cathode on the surface properties of tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer films was studied. It was found that the modification of the films under conditions that ensure the separation of the discharge active species acting on the polymer materials makes it possible to achieve substantially lower values for the contact angle and higher values for the work of adhesion and surface energy than in the case of other modes of discharge. A change in the composition and structure of the films was studied by means of IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that new oxygen-containing groups are formed on the polymer surface as a result of plasma discharge treatment.