An Introduction to UV/Ozone Treatment and Its Applications in the Surface Engineering of Polymeric Fibers and Films

UV/Ozone treatment is a fast and environmentally friendly technique for surface modification of polymeric fibers and films. In this study, UV/Ozone treatment and important factors of this method are introduced and the mechanism of this process has been investigated from various aspects (chemical and physical). The formation of free radicals on the surface (due to photochemical interactions) and the formation of surface roughness (due to the effect of physical etching) are two key factors in the surface engineering of polymeric fibers and films by UV/Ozone irradiation. Furthermore, the applications of UV/Ozone treatment on polymeric fibers and films are briefly stated and as a case study, the researchers are discussed on modification of the surface properties of polymeric fibers and films via this method. This treatment can increase the dyeing depth of the fibers. Also, UV/Ozone treatment has been used to improve the antistatic and hydrophilic properties of polymeric fibers and films, and the results of these studies have been reviewed in this review.