Surface Modification of Organic Polymer Films Treated in Atmospheric Plasmas

Abstract

The effect of plasma treatment on surface characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate films was investigated using helium and oxygenated-helium atmospheric plasmas. Sample exposure to plasma was conducted in a closed ventilation test cell inside the main plasma chamber with variable exposure times. The percent weigh loss of the samples showed an initial increase followed by decrease with extended exposure time, indicating a combined mechanism of etching and redeposition. The wettability as measured by the contact angle showed a sharp initial increase followed by a steady-state trend with increased exposure time, suggesting a change in surface functionality. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed increase in surface roughness, as well as evidence of redeposition of etched volatiles. Functionality changes were measured using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and these changes were correlated to the new plasma-induced properties.

Physical, Chemical and Morphological Characterization of Polyamide Fabrics Treated with Plasma Discharge

“…The highly reactive and energetic plasma species, achieved by DBD atmospheric pressure plasma treatment promote synthetic fiber ablation and induce the increase of fiber surface roughness and hydrophilicity-dependent properties 9,40 . Numerous mechanisms that illustrate the interaction between plasma and polymers via etching were suggested 10,41 . Besides the etching process, the energetic electrons generated on the fabrics surfaces during plasmatic discharge can lead to scission of polymer molecular chains.…”

Surface modification of polylactic acid (PLA) by air atmospheric plasma treatment

“…In general, it shows a uniform appearance due to the low aggressiveness of the atmospheric plasma treatment. [18,39,40] It can be observed comparatively changes in the surface topography of the treated PLA with atmospheric plasma under different conditions. The samples treated at low advance rates have a more irregular topography.…”

Surface physical–morphological and chemical changes leading to performance enhancement of atmospheric pressure plasma treated polyester fabrics for inkjet printing

“…Cai et al used air/ He and air/O 2 atmospheric plasma to desize PVA on cotton [7]. Hwang et al investigated the effect of plasma treatment on surface characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate films using helium and oxygenated-helium atmospheric plasmas [8]. Matthews et al made some investigation into etching mechanism of PET films and PVA desizing mechanism treated in He and O 2 /He atmospheric plasmas [9,10].…”