Surface structuring of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres with a UV excimer laser and low temperature plasma

There has been great interest recently in applying energetic beams, notably excimer lasers and low temperature plasma (LTP), on polymers for the modification of their surface properties. The interaction produces the characteristic ripple/roll-like structures and changes in physical and chemical properties, resulting in better dyeability and adhesion to coatings, etc. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibres of different draw ratios were selected to investigate the effects of these sources on the surface modification. The effect of laser treatments on LTP irradiated fibres was also studied. It is observed that although the morphological modification features on the PET fibre surface developed under laser and LTP treatments are not identical, they have great similarity. The doubly treated surfaces also reveal some interesting results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.