XPS and SEM study of UV laser surface modification of polymers

Several commercial polymers—poly(ethylene) (PE), poly(propylene) (PP), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF₂), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and polystyrene (PS)—were treated in air with an argon-fluorine UV excimer laser (λ = 193 nm). The polymer etch rate was investigated by two methods: quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and piercing of films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was performed on the modified surfaces after laser exposure at various fluences. Samples were subsequently analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From our results, polymers may be classified into two categories concerning their reactivity towards UV laser light. — the weakly absorbing polymers (e.g. PE, PP, PVF₂) where a photothermal process (thermal degradation) dominates the interaction. — the strongly absorbing polymers (e.g. PVC, PS) where a photochemical process (photoablation) dominates the interaction.