The effects of an excimer laser treatment at fluences below the ablation threshold were investigated on PET (Polyethylen terephtalate). The purpose is to prepare the polymer surface before aluminum metallization. The role of the process parameters: laser wavelength (193 nm or 248 nm), laser fluence, surrounding gas treatment (He, air) on the PET surface composition and properties were studied by XPS, wettability measurements with water, methylene iodide and aqueous solutions of HCl or NaOH, SEM, AFM and 180° peel test.

Due to the competition of different chemical reactions occurring on the polymer surface during the UV photons irradiation, the surface oxidation or deoxidation could be observed depending on the treatment conditions. At very low fluences, surface oxidation and acidic surface properties were evidenced but increasing the fluence tended to decrease the O/C ratio. Surface modifications of treated PET had consequences on the aluminum/PET adhesion; results showed that surface oxidation (increase of O/C) is not the only factor for improved adhesion.

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