Surface modification of polymers plays a crucial role in altering their wettability and adhesion properties. Wettability refers to the ability of a liquid to spread on a solid surface, while adhesion refers to the ability of a material to stick to another material. Both properties are important in various applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and biomedical devices.There are several methods to modify the surface of polymers, including physical and chemical treatments. These methods can change the surface properties of polymers by altering their surface chemistry, topography, and energy. Some common surface modification techniques include plasma treatment, UV/ozone treatment, chemical grafting, and surface coating.The effects of surface modification on wettability and adhesion properties of polymers can be explained as follows:1. Surface chemistry: Surface modification can introduce new functional groups or change the existing functional groups on the polymer surface. These functional groups can interact with the surrounding environment, such as liquids or other materials, and affect the wettability and adhesion properties. For example, introducing hydrophilic functional groups e.g., -OH, -COOH can increase the wettability of a hydrophobic polymer, while introducing hydrophobic functional groups e.g., -CH3, -CF3 can decrease the wettability.2. Surface topography: Surface modification can also change the surface roughness and morphology of polymers. A rougher surface can increase the contact area between the polymer and a liquid or another material, which can enhance the wettability and adhesion properties. Additionally, specific surface patterns or structures can also influence the wettability and adhesion properties, such as superhydrophobic surfaces with micro/nanostructures.3. Surface energy: Surface modification can alter the surface energy of polymers, which is related to the balance between cohesive forces interactions within the polymer and adhesive forces interactions between the polymer and other materials . A higher surface energy can promote better wettability and adhesion properties, as it indicates a stronger interaction between the polymer and the surrounding environment. Surface modification techniques, such as plasma treatment, can increase the surface energy by creating reactive species that can form new functional groups or crosslinks on the polymer surface.In summary, surface modification of polymers can significantly affect their wettability and adhesion properties by altering their surface chemistry, topography, and energy. These changes can be tailored to specific applications, such as improving the performance of coatings, adhesives, or biomedical devices.