Surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) by excimer laser processing: enhancement of adhesion

The adhesion of the PTFE substrate whose surface was modified upon ArF excimer laser irradiation under a hydrazine atmosphere was examined by a tensile test for the sample prepared by jointing the laser-treated PTFE substrate and a carbon steel rod through chemical adhesives. The tensile strength at breaking point was over 12 MPa almost comparable to that of PTFE itself. The modified layer formed as a result of laser processing had a strong intimacy with PTFE itself and possessed mechanical properties comparable to that of PTFE. The degree of modification was gradual from the upper layer to the inner layer of PTFE.