Surface energy enhancement of bulk plastics using the one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDPO)

Abstract

Summary form only given. The one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma (OAUGDPO) has been found to be an effective way to increase the surface energy and wettability of metals, polymeric films, and fabrics. Surface energies up to 70 dynes/cm can be achieved within 10 seconds of exposure time. The surface energy exhibits an aging effect, in which it decays to levels that are greater than pre-exposure values over periods of days to weeks, depending on the materials. In this paper, we discuss some experimental results using a OAUGDPO air plasma to process 2 mm thick polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which have wide application in the automotive industry. Both materials have had their surface energy increased substantially and uniformly by direct exposure to the plasma, with the proper choice of plasma operating parameters, including the electrode gap separation, RMS voltage, RF frequency and air flow rate. The PMMA did not show an aging effect after seven days. No visible damage was observed, but SEM images will be used to determine the existence of any micro-scale damage caused by the roots of microfilaments