APPLICATIONS OF ESCA TO POLYMER CHEMISTRY .6. SURFACE FLUORINATION OF POLYETHYLENE - APPLICATION OF ESCA TO EXAMINATION OF STRUCTURE AS A FUNCTION OF DEPTH

Molecular core binding energies have been measured by ESCA for a series of surface-fluorinated high-density polyethylene films. Detailed analysis of the results shows that the technique can be used to establish a comprehensive picture of the early stages of the surface fluorination process. Both the depth of fluorination, and stoichiometry and molecular structure as a function of depth, in the range 0 - 50 A have been established. In addition, minor features such as oxidation, hydration, and hydrocarbon contamination at the surface are clearly revealed. Detailed consideration of the results allows a discussion of the dynamics of the overall fluorination process.