Microwave plasma discharge-assisted surface modification of PVA films: coatings and food packaging

Abstract

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film was treated with low-cost microwave oven oxygen plasma. A number of several types of microscopies, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle and work of adhesion, were utilized in order to investigate the impact that the plasma had on the PVA film. After plasma treatment, it was discovered that the contact angle had decreased from 39° ± 0.4 to 20.8° ± 0.2, which suggests that the surface property had changed to a hydrophilic state due to increased hydroxyl groups (C=O, O=C–O) according to our finding from the results of XPS. The increase in surface roughness was observed. Recent research suggests that the properties of PVA can be modified by adjusting the degree of oxidation, which could lead to new improvements in applications based on PVA. This could pave the way for food packaging, air-conditioner panels, and coating applications.