Morphology and molecular structure of polyurethane films treated with a glow discharge plasma

Abstract

We have determined the major physicochemical changes occurring in polyurethane surface layers when treated in a glow discharge plasma. We have shown that along with etching and degradation processes in the polymer, there is also redistribution of hydrogen bonds as well as an increase in the concentration of carbonyl groups and the degree of self-association of urethane fragments. We conclude that the established physicochemical changes are due mainly to selective etching of the surface layers on exposure to UV radiation and the flux of charged particles generated in the glow discharge.