Plasma Modification of Poly (P-Phenylenebenzobisthiazole)
Abstract
A plasma treatment chamber was constructed and used to treat samples of poly (p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole) (PBZT), an ordered polymer material. Analysis of scanning electron microscope results showed that exposure to an argon glow discharge plasma for extended times eroded the surface of the polymer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that oxides were formed on the plasma-treated surfaces upon exposure to air. Treatment using argon, argon/ water vapor and nitrogen plasmas was shown to make the polymer surfaces more hydrophilic. PBZT films bonded between aluminum coupons failed cohesively when shear forces were applied. Plasma treatment improved the shear strength of PBZT films by over 50%. This improvement is attributed to an enhancement of the interlaminar strength of the PBZT via crosslinking between polymer chains. Theses. (rrh)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215761
Entities
People
- Patrick E. Godfrey
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology