Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material to be treated is contacted with a composition containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the composition is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. Contact between the composition containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. The oxidizing agent of choice is a halogenated bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymer substrate in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate to be treated is contacted with a fluid material containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the fluid material is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate. Contact between the fluid containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate proximate to its surface. The oxidizing agent of choice is a bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof. The activator agent may be present in the fluid upon initial contact with the polymeric substrate or may be added to the fluid subsequent to initial contact with the polymeric substrate.