Surface modification of polymers at atmospheric pressure in expanding RF plasmas generated by planar dielectric barrier, discharges

摘要

We present a small dielectric barrier discharge radiofrequency plasma source, operating at 13.56 MHz, having a rectangular configuration. The source generates a knife-like cold expanding plasma jet, suitable for polymer surface modification. The planar jet was characterized by thermocouple measurements and Optical Emission Spectroscopy which show low thermal loading at substrate and the presence of active plasma species. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride for medical usage, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene foils were treated in open atmosphere with the source working in argon. The modification of the treated surfaces was investigated by contact angle measurements, Atomic Force Microscopy and adhesion measurements. A substantial improvement of wettability and adhesion was obtained.