SURFACE MODIFICATION OF SEMICRYSTALLINE POLYMERS

摘要

The invention relates to a process for modifying the surface of a semicrystalline polymer which process comprises irradiating at least one surface of a semicrystalline polymer composition with radiation which is absorbed by said composition, controlling the intensity and fluence of said radiation exposure so that semicrystalline polymer on said surface is melted and there is ablation or volatilization of less than 1% by weight of the total weight of the polymer within regions of said polymer which are melted, and allowing said melted polymer to cool at a rate which will form a quasi-amorphous polymeric area on said at least one surface, said quasi-amorphous polymeric area having a thickness of at least 5 nm and a polymeric article comprising a semicrystalline polymer having on at least one surface thereof areas having thicknesses of at least 5 nm of the same polymer in a quasi-amorphous state. Semicrystalline polymers of the articles thus can have predetermined amounts of their surfaces rendered quasi-amorphous by irradiation. Polymer surfaces which are so modified can display enhanced ability to accept bonding to other materials.