Physical treatment procedures were investigated as surface activation techniques of high polymers with inactive surface. In this research, treatments by electron beam, ultraviolet ray, and low-temperature plasma were investigated; PET film was treated and changes in the surface, microstructure, and mechanical properties were investigated. Investigation results showed that among these techniques the low-temperature plasma technique activated the inactive surface by etching the surface and introducing the functional group without impairing the inherent mechanical properties. Because the electron beam technique deteriorates the mechanical properties, it is very restricted as a surface improvement technique. The deterioration of mechanical properties by the ultraviolet ray technique was relatively small. Adhesion with the martrix was recognized to improve irrespective of the techniques employed. © 1990, The Society of Polymer Science, Japan. All rights reserved.
