Frequency-selected surface heat treatment of polymeric materials by pulsed CO laser radiation

Frequency selected pulsed CO laser was used for surface heat treatment of polymeric materials. Nylon and poly(ethyleneterephthalate) samples having strong absorption bands near wavelength of approximately 6 micrometers were processed by the laser radiation of different temporal, spectral and energy density characteristics by using different geometry and methods of irradiation. Different types of microstructure were formed on the surfaces of the samples. Experimental conditions corresponding to each type of microstructure were defined. Visual (macro) changes of polymeric material properties (if any) and their correlation with formed microstructures were analyzed.