Abstract
The porosity and wettability properties of hydrogen ion treated poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) materials are related using contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ellipsometry techniques. PTFE samples are irradiated using a low-energy hydrogen ion shower (LEHIS) produced by a Gas Discharge Ion Source (GDIS). The plasma discharge current (I-d) is varied at intervals of 1 mA. Results show that treatment using lower I-d improved the hydrophobic property of the PTFE material with water contact angle increasing from 102 degrees to 119 degrees. It also becomes less porous as indicated by the increase in the index of refraction, decrease in optical transmittance, and increased fissures and striations in the SEM images. Opposite effects are observed for higher I-d.