In applications where strong affinity to hydrophilic materials is desirable, surface treatment can be done to modify the wettability of hydrophobic surface to one with much lower water contact angle. Our research team has demonstrated the benefits of enhanced wettability by treating polypropylene (PP) separators used in lithium batteries. With a short HHIC treatment of 60 seconds, electrolyte affinity of the PP separators improved significantly compared to the untreated one, resulting in lower internal resistance and higher capacitance. The mechanical strength of the PP separators was well reserved after HHIC treatment.
