Surface Modification of Vinyl Polymers by Vacuum Ultraviolet Light Irradiation

The photophysicochemical changes of vinyl polymers (polyethylene, polystyrene and poly(vinyl alcohol)) under 172nm vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light irradiation from Xe2 excimer lamps were investigated by means of contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The bond scission and oxygen incorporation to the polymer structure cause the formation of new functional groups (C=C, C-O, C=O, etc.), leading to the change in surface wettability. The effect of the VUV treatment on polymers depends on the surrounding gas (dry air or N2) during the irradiation.