Hydrophilic modification of polycarbonate surface by electron beam irradiation

Recently, many researches have been performed to modify polymer surfaces for hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties. The present study proposed a hydrophilic surface modification of polycarbonate surfaces by irradiating electron beam (E-beam). E-beam irradiations were performed under various irradiation conditions (beam energy, irradiation time, and induced current), and the relevant contact angle changes were investigated. The surface energy change due to E-beam irradiation was investigated by XPS analysis, from which it was found that hydrophilic group was introduced due to E-beam irradiation so as to reduce the contact angle. Nano-indentation tests were also performed to investigate the change in mechanical properties, which showed that surface hardness as well as rigidity were improved due to the E-beam irradiation effect.