The analysis of surface degradation on UV-treated epoxy/glass fiber by corona-charging properties

We tried to apply corona-charging properties to the analysis of polymer surface degradation and demonstrated the inter-correlation between electrostatic changes and chemical structures on the surface of UV-treated epoxy/glass fiber. It was possible to detect the change of surface energy states and chemical structures with the measurement of contact angle and ESCA spectrum. Also, the changes of electrostatic behaviors were found through the results of surface potential decay, polarity effects, and surface resistivity. Finally, we can conclude that the polymer surface degradation proceeds with the formation of electric double layer by electrostatic force and the reorientation by thermodynamic force on the polymer surface. Especially, it was very important to find out the change of electrostatic behaviors by applying corona-charging properties. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.