Wettability Tests of Polymer Films and Fabrics

High-strength polymer materials are useful components in many multifunctional materials applications. However, because of low reactivity, their use is inhibited in many processing techniques. Polymer films and fibers possess low surface energies and need to be modified through surface activation prior to being used in composite systems where adhesive bonding is an issue. Treatment of polymer materials through plasma processing is one route to greatly increase surface reactivity. Once the surface has been plasma-modified, wettability by liquids can be examined to determine the treatment effects on the polymer material’s surface reactivity.