Surface Modification of Polystyrene Using Nitrogen Plasma. An X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study

Abstract

A detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of a plasma-modified polystyrene (PS) surface was carried out after N2 plasma treatment. PS surfaces were found to be highly hydrophilic and reactive as it readily picks up oxygen giving rise to oxyfunctionalities on the surface. The plasma treatment also led to a slow chain scission with carboxyl, forming carbonate linkage.