Atomic force microscopy study of polypropylene surfaces treated by UV and ozone exposure: modification of morphology and adhesion force

Exposing polypropylene PP.to ozone in the presence of UV light is a simple and effective way of modifying its surface to improve its wettability and adhesion. Atomic force microscopy AFM.showed a dramatic change in the morphology and a clear increase in the adhesion force resulting from the modification of a PP film by UVrozone exposure. A relationship has been demonstrated between a change in surface energy measured by wetting contact angle.and the adhesion force measured by AFM.. q1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved