Application of diffuse coplanar surface barrier plasma discharge to polymeric materials

Abstract

AbstractThe KPR 200 mm plasma reactor is a device designed for the surface modification of various materials. Such a modification occurs by applying a unique type of plasma – plasma generated on a ceramic dielectric. The ceramic dielectric is a durable system with which it is possible to continuously modify the surfaces of materials with such a plasma. The advantage of applying this unique type of plasma is that the modification of the materials occurs at room temperature and atmosphere. However, it is necessary to monitor and observe certain parameters, for example: the selected power, the exposure time of the surfaces of the modified materials, and the distance of the surface from the ceramic dielectric itself. Therefore, in the present paper, the effect of diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) plasma discharge on selected polymeric materials was investigated. Plasma impact assessment was also performed using image analysis, that could provide relevant information in the process of plasma‐chemical modification. Changes in the surfaces of the investigated thin polyvynil chloride material, before and after exposure to plasma discharge, were also observed (changes in contact angle, atomic force microscopy).