SURFACE EFFECTS IN THE PHOTODEGRADATION OF POLYMER FILMS.
Abstract
The effect of ultraviolet irradiation in air on the wettability of polymer surfaces by liquids of known surface tensions was studied. The polymers studied were polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(butyl methacrylate). Changes in contact angles of the contact liquids used were plotted versus the time of irradiation of the polymer surface. Spectral evidence is presented to show that photodegradation products include oxygenated moieties capable of interaction with polar liquids. Polymer fragments resulting from chain scission also play an important role in wettability changes for some polymers. Extraction and spectral studies of irradiated polystyrene surfaces showed that photodegradation products include small molecules, readily removed by extraction, and oxidized (as carbonyl) polymer chains which are not readily removed from the surface. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 05, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0657608
Entities
People
- Robert B. Fox
- Thomas R. Price
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory