Atmospheric pressure plasma jet: formation of Wenzel’s model supportive surface modification on PMMA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The generation of cold plasma at atmospheric pressure by using atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) system and its use in the treatment of the poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) have been reported in the manuscript. The cold plasma is generated at atmospheric pressure with 120 watt and 200 watt power and 3 litres/min and 5 litres/min argon flow using a 13.56 MHz radio frequency generator. PMMA samples are treated with aforesaid parameters for different time durations. After treatment, the formation of a carbon-rich surface has been observed, while a visible and significant amount of changes in surface morphology, roughness, adhesion strength and contact angle have been observed. Due to the APPJ treatment, the Wenzel’s model supportive microconical structures have been formed for hydrophobic surfaces. Optical emission spectroscopy has been used to identify the various species in the plasma and for electron temperature measurement. The discharge phenomenon at atmospheric pressure has been understood using the basic plasma model. The interaction of the plasma with the surface has been explained using the sub-plantation model.