Enhancing adhesion between metals or epoxy and polytetrafluoroethylene by ion assisted reaction

Ion irradiation on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been carried out to improve adhesions to metals and to adhesive cements. Argon ions were irradiated on the polymer, by varying the amount of Ar+ from 1 x 10(14) ions/cm(2) to 1 x 10(17) ions/cm(2) at 1 keV, and 4 ml/min of oxygen gas flowed near the polymer surface during the ion irradiation. The wetting angle of water on the PTFE surface was changed from 100 degrees to 70-150 degrees, depending on the ion beam condition. The changes of the wetting angle and effects of Ar+ irradiation in oxygen environment were explained by the changes in surface morphology due to the ion beam irradiation onto PTFE, and formation of a hydrophilic group due to a reaction between the irradiated polymer chain and the blown oxygen. Strongly enhanced adhesion is explained by interlock mechanism, formation of electron acceptor groups On the modified PTFE, and interfacial chemical reactions between the irradiated surface and the deposited materials.