Some surface properties of syndiotactic polystyrene

The surface of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) has been analyzed by XPS and contact angle measurements before and after oxygen plasma treatments. Most of the surface properties were found to be analogous to those of atactic polystyrene (aPS). After treatment, an increase of surface oxygenated functionalities was observed, accompanied by increased water wettability and adhesion properties. After aging in air, partial hydrophobic recovery was observed. Under specific conditions of plasma treatments, the formation of amorphous carbon clusters were observed by XPS, not present after similar treatments in aPS.