Abstract
Surface activation of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) using (Poly-EtherEtherKetone) (PEEK) matrices is required to achieve strong and long-term adherent painting on the composite. Among the different techniques, an industrial atmospheric pressure remote plasma has been used in this work to treat PEEK CFRP surfaces. The characterization of this device by means of electrical diagnostics related to the effect of such post-discharge on the surface modifications is discussed. Firstly, electrical characteristics of the discharge show fairly high currents associated to high voltages which suggest a nonestablished and cold arc. Power consumed by the electrical supply associated to post-discharge length and surface temperatures allowed a better understanding of the industrial device. Secondly, the effects of plasma on surface chemistry and topography are analyzed by water contact angle measurements, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Investigations showed that treated surfaces exhibited better hydrophilicity mainly due to an incorporation of oxygen containing groups (up to 8.4% more) under air plasma whereas an increase of the nanoroughness and specific surface is preponderant under nitrogen plasma. Different hydrophilic capabilities of the surface obtained in air and nitrogen gas plasmas highlight a potential optimization of activation performances according to industrial specification.
Highlights
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) using thermoplastic polymer matrices are increasingly being used in structural engineering, in aeronautics, due to their low weight coupled with high mechanical properties [1,2,3]
Instabilities of the discharge are highlighted at high device power which are ascribed to different arc behaviors
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets (APPJ) industrial devices can generally be settled by various parameters in order to meet special requirements of production line and adjust activation to the size and the shape of the treated parts
Summary
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) using thermoplastic polymer matrices are increasingly being used in structural engineering, in aeronautics, due to their low weight coupled with high mechanical properties [1,2,3]. Poly-EtherEtherKetone (PEEK) matrices composites are especially interesting because of their excellent physical and chemical properties, including high thermal stability, high chemical resistance and their ability to withstand high mechanical loads [4]. The low surface energy and the high chemical resistance of PEEK CFRP imply to develop surface activation processes aiming at increasing their surface reactivity before coating. Processes using atmospheric pressure cold plasma have shown to be effective processes to improve wettability and surface energy on such composites [7,8]. This technology attracts the attention of many aerospace companies looking for a low cost and an environment-friendly surface activation process [9,10]. The possible implementation of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (APP) process in a
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
