A Comparison of Oxidized Polystyrene Surfaces Produced by Plasma and Neutral Beam Methods

摘要

Plasma treatments of polymers are commonly used to alter surface chemical properties, such as surface free energy, reactivity, adhesiveness, and biocompatability. In a plasma environment, control of the resultant chemistry is difficult because surfaces are exposed simultaneously to ions and neutrals in their ground and excited states, and to ultraviolet light. Beams of energetic neutral atoms or molecules may offer the possibility for more controlled surface treatments. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize differences between surfaces modified by plasmas and neutral beams. We have exposed polystyrene surfaces to beams of energetic oxygen atoms and to oxygen plasmas, and we have characterized the modified surfaces with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our preliminary results are presented here.