Homogeneity study of fluoropolymer films modified by atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma discharges

Abstract

This work investigated the impact of an atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma treatment on the surface homogeneity of a fluoropolymer film. The resulting surfaces were assessed using T-peel tests, surface energy measurements, and XPS analyses. The results showed that the treatment led to the defluorination of the fluoropolymer surface, therefore increasing its wettability. Consequently, the peel strength of the substrate drastically increased. This study also highlighted that surface energy alone is not an accurate indicator of adhesion properties. The results correlated the XPS ratio (C-O+C-N+C-C)/(CF3+CF2) with the adhesion increase.