Improvement on Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Properties of Glass Surface Treated by Nonthermal Plasma Induced by Silent Corona Discharge

Abstract

A fundamental study was conducted to investigate the improvement of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the glass surface using the atmospheric-pressure nonthermal plasma. The plasma was induced between the two parallel electrodes with a dielectric barrier using an AC 60Hz high voltage power supply. The objective is to demonstrate the possibility of the elimination of the windshield wiper from automobiles. Two approaches were undertaken for modifying the glass surface: one is hydrophilic approach using plasma alone and the other is hydrophobic approach using the combination of hydrophobic chemical and nonthermal plasma. The plasma application provided excellent hydrophilic properties (less than 4° of contact angle). However, the durability did not last for more than one day. The combination of hydrophobic Tri Alkoxy Silane (TAS) chemical coating and nonthermal plasma showed an excellent hydrophobic property and extended durability, more than five times more durable compared with TAS alone.