Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 September 2012
Ion Irradiation on polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) has been carried out to improve adhesion to metal and to adhesive cement. Argon ion was irradiated on the polymer, and amount of Ar+ was changed from 1014 ions/cm2 to l×1017 ions/cm2 at 1 keV, and 4 ml/min of oxygen gas was flowed near the polymer surface during the ion irradiation. Wetting angle was changed from 100 degree to 70 – 150 degree depending on the ion beam condition. The changes of wetting angle and effects of Ar+ irradiation in oxygen environment were explained in a view of surface morphology due to the ion beam irradiation onto PTFE and formation of hydrophilic group due to a reaction between irradiated polymer chain and the blown oxygen. Strongly enhanced adhesions were explained by interlock mechanism, formation of electron acceptor groups on the modified PTFE, and interfacial chemical reaction between the irradiated surface and the deposited materials.