Modification of polymer surfaces by electron bombardment - using low pressure gas discharge plasma and coated electrodes

摘要

Modification of surfaces of polymers, e.g. textile fabrics or fibres, or films is by electron bombardment in low pressure gas discharge plasma in wich the polymer is passed across or between negatively charged sheet electrodes. These are shielded on the other side by parallel earthed metal plates, and coated on the polymer side with an opt. conductive material pref. different from the electrode itself. Distance of the polymer material from the electrode is greater than the dark spaced formed over the electrode. Method may be used for treatment of polymer surfaces to improve hydrophilic, adhesion or dyeing properties, and formation of free radicals to allow grafting. Equipment costs are much less than for electron accelerators, and precautions required in use are reduced. Positive ions discharged from the electrodes release sec. gamma-electrons from the coating, which are accelerated across the dark space below impact with the polymer. Treatment times are reduced to a few seconds. Activation, grafting and opt. monomer formation can be carried out simultaneously.