ABSTRACT
A characteristic modification of surface topography of highly absorbing and oriented synthetic fibers such as poly( ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide (PA), or aromatic polyamides was found after irradiation with pulsed UV excimer lasers [1-4). Following irradiation, the originally smooth surface of these fibers changes to a rather regular roll-like structure on the micrometer scale, perpendicular to the fiber axis (Fig. 1). This basic effect has a marked potential to modify various surface properties of fibers, which affect, e.g., their optical properties and coating or particle adhesion, the latter being the topic of this work.
