Depth Profile Analysis of Flame-Treated Poly(Vinyl Fluoride)

Abstract

Chemical and physical changes produced by flame treatment of PVF film have been studied by FT-IR/ATR. By selection of appropriate reflection conditions, the ATR spectra of surface layers corresponding to different depths of penetration of the infrared beam have been recorded. ATR spectra show evidence that the concentration of fluorine and hydrogen species in the amorphous phase of the polymer and of unsaturated functional groups decreases with flame treatment. On the basis of this evidence, it is believed that elimination of a weak surface boundary layer is largely responsible for the improved adhesive properties found for flame-treated samples. ESCA and contact angle measurements have also been performed, and the results of both methods of surface characterization support these conclusions.