Surface electric charge decay behavior of Polypropylene (PP) films treated by atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge

Abstract

Atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is one of the most effective physical techniques for the cold plasma source. It is a promising technique used to modify the surface properties of polymers. This modification leads to improving wetting and adhesion properties, a change in surface roughness and other significant technological features. In recent studies, researchers have showed that DBD plasma exposure can modify the electric properties of insulating materials. In this study, we focused our attention on the influence of DBD plasma treatment on the surface electric charge behavior in polypropylene (PP) thin films. The effect of DBD plasma has been studied as a function of treatment time for two values of applied discharge voltages; 7 and 12 kV. After being exposed to DBD plasma, the samples were charged for 5 seconds in ambient air using a negative triode corona electrode system. The influence of DBD plasma treatment on the surface electric charge behaviour in PP thin films was investigated. The surface characterization of the untreated and treated PP films is performed using surface electric charge decay measurements, for identical charging conditions.