Surface composition analysis of PP films treated by corona discharge

Abstract

Polypropylene films (PP) surface treated by corona discharge in air was analyzed to verify the changes on surface composition. The presence of oxidized polar groups on the film surface, mainly, C=O, CO and COH, was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed a dramatic change in the morphology and provided qualitative results of the chemical composition (new structures). Contact angle (q) of the PP films decreased after corona treatment indicating an increase in the wettability due to the polar groups formed. Extended treatment results of low molecular weight oxidized material into the surfaces and a smaller additional degree of modification in the wettability is obtained.