Abstract
The main objective of the study is to investigate the effects of argon low temperature plasma on PLA film properties and determine the effect of storage time on the value of surface free energy and its polar and dispersive components. The effects of the different treatment time on PLA film are analyzed. The contact angle measurements and subsequent SFE calculation have been done immediately after the treatment as well as after 1, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days. Furthermore, the chemical changes have been studied using XPS and surface topography has been analyzed with confocal microscopy. The results show a significant improvement in the film wettability. This improved wettability is manifested by a 40% reduction in the contact angle of the water and a 43% increase in SFE values. Moreover, the highest values of surface free energy are noted after 6 min plasma treatment, but results for shorter treatment time such as 2–4 min are more stable over time. The SFE increases from 40.1 mJ/m2 to 57.4 mJ/m2 after 6 min activation, however after 60 days storage SFE value decreases to 44.8 mJ/m2, compared to decrease from 56.7 mJ/m2 to 50.1 mJ/m2 for 2 min activation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
