Raman Spectroscopy Investigation of Polytetrafluoroethylene in Different Zones of Impact of Continuous CO2 Laser Radiation

Abstract

The surface of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) irradiated with an IR laser was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The degree of change in the surface depends on the fluence of the radiation and on the impact zones around the center spot of the laser beam. New absorption bands detected in the spectrum of the irradiated polymer indicate the formation of CF₃ groups as a result of the destruction of the polymer chain. Polymer chain carbonization is also observed under laser irradiation. The process of structural changes in laser irradiated PTFE is refined on the basis of obtained microphotographs of the supramolecular structure. Density functional theory calculations are used to help in interpreting the Raman spectra.