IMAGING OF POLYMER SURFACES USING X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON-SPECTROSCOPY

Applications of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy imaging in the analysis of heterogeneous polymer surfaces are evaluated using a sample containing tetrafluoroethylene plasma-deposited onto polyethylene. The C 1s and F 1s images acquired using non-monochromatic Mg Kalpha and monochromatic Al Kalpha x-ray sources are used to demonstrate good charge stabilization, as confirmed by small-area spectra. The use of non-monochromatic flood sources vs. monochromatic focused x-ray ray sources for image acquisition is discussed. The use of the valence band region for imaging is also demonstrated.