Photochemical modification of polytetrafluoroethylene into oleophilic property using an ArF excimer laser

Abstract

Photochemical modification of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with incorporation of the CH₃ radical released from the B(CH₃)₃ molecule excited by an ArF excimer laser has been demonstrated. The incorporation of CH₃ radicals and the depletion of fluorine atoms of the polymer surface were studied by XPS analysis and infrared ATR spectrum measurement. In these photochemical reactions, the photoirradiated surface changed into oleophilic. The properties were studied by contact angle measurement. The stability of the oleophilic surface was examined at the elevated temperature of 200 °C for 6 h in O₂ or N₂ ambient and also by immersing in alkaline or acid water solutions.