Contact and Adhesion Properties of Polyethylene Naphthalate Films Modified by DC Discharge

The effect of the direct current discharge treatment on the contact properties of polyethylene naphthalate films has been studied. The change in the contact angles of wettability by water and glycerin, the work of adhesion, total surface energy, and its polar and dispersion components on the time of plasma treatment at the anоde and cathode has been investigated. A significant increase in the hydrophilicity of the polymer surface and a good stability of the obtained characteristics during storage of modified films in air at room conditions are shown. The adhesion properties of the polymer were investigated using T-test method according to ASTM 1876 2001. The data of peel resistance in contact with some adhesives for the initial and modified polymer were obtained. Atomic force microscopy was used to study changes in surface morphology under the influence of the direct current discharge treatment.