LAUSR

Abstract Owing to its excellent properties, polycarbonate (PC) is a suitable alternative for conventional engineering materials; however, its applications are limited by its poor wettability and adhesion with heterogeneous materials. In this study, chlorine dioxide radical (ClO2•) was used as an efficient oxidizing agent for PC oxidation by photoirradiation under mild conditions, instead of the previous physical treatment methods that used plasma, laser, ion beams, or UV ozone. During the oxidation reaction, polar groups like carboxyl, aldehyde, and hydroxyl were added to the surface of the PC films without causing surface damage. Furthermore, the surface wettability and metal adhesion of the PC films were improved after surface oxidation without change in the transmittance of the PC films. The effects of the oxidation conditions, viz. temperature and time, on the chemical composition, wettability, and surface morphology of the PC films were also investigated. The oxidation of PC films using light-activated ClO2• is an effective, clean, energy-saving treatment with potential for further modifications and applications.