Is there any possibility that plasma could selectively modify polymer surfaces?

Abstract

In order to resolve susceptibility of PTFE(polytetrafuloroethylene) and PE(polyethylene) against H2 and O2 plasmas, modification reactions of ETFE(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) surfaces by H2, O2, and Ar plasmas were investigated from viewpoint of chemistry. The chemical modification involved defluorination and oxidation reactions. These reactions were favorable in the remote H2 and Ar plasmas, but were unfavorable in the remote O2 plasma. C-H and C-F components in the ETFE surfaces were evenly modified by the remote plasma. Either of CH2-CH2 or CF2-CF2 component was not selectively modified.