Surface modification studies by atomic force microscopy for Ar-plasma treated polyethylene

Atomic force microscopy(AFM) was used to study the polyethylene(PE) surfaces grafted and immobilized with acrylic acid by Ar plasma treatment. The topographical images and parameters including RMS roughness and Rp-v value provided an appropriate means to characterize the surfaces. The plasma grafting and immobilization method were a useful tool for the preparation of surfaces with carboxyl group. However, the plasma immobilization method turned out to have a limitation to use as a means of preparation of PE surface with specific functionalities, due to ablation effect during the Ar plasma treatment process.