Applications of ESCA to polymer chemistry. Part VI. Surface fluorination of polyethylene. Application of ESCA to the examination of structure as a function of depth

Molecular core binding energies have been measured by ESCA for series of surface-fluorinated high-density polyethylene films. Detailed analysis of the results shows that the technique can be used to establish a comprehensive picture of the early stages of the surface fluorination process. Both the depth of fluorination, and stoichiometry and molecular structure as a function of depth, in the range 0–50 A have been established. In addition, minor features such as oxidation, hydration, and hydrocarbon contamination at the surface are clearly revealed. Detailed consideration of the results allows a discussion of the dynamics of the overall fluorination process.