Abstract

Surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was studied by corona discharge plasma at different exposure times using air as working gas. The modification of the surface properties are characterized, those are morphology and wettability. Corona plasma treatment was found to modify the PET surface in both morphology and wettability. The corona discharge at atmospheric pressure is a heterogeneous with multiple current pulses, which generates an asymmetric pattern of erosion on the PET surface. The corona discharge treatment erodes the surface and therefore modifies the surface morphology. The roughness of the PET surface increases in the impact point of the corona discharge on the PET surface. An increase in the wettability of PET was also observed after corona discharge treatment at atmospheric pressure.

Highlights

  • polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a linear thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of properties, which makes it suitable for processing through multiple transformation processes and gives it a vast applicability [1,2]

  • The roughness of the PET surface increases in the impact point of the corona discharge on the PET surface

  • We show the effects of a DC discharge generated with 10 mm in gap length using a well-known streamer corona (SC)at an high voltage of 4 ± 0.5 kV, and a current amplitude Imax = 150 ± 0.6 mA

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Summary

Introduction

PET is a linear thermoplastic polymer with a wide range of properties, which makes it suitable for processing through multiple transformation processes and gives it a vast applicability [1,2]. According to the UN, four out of every five PET bottles used go directly to landfills. This means that only 20% of the used PET is recycled, which is true in countries with high ecological awareness such as Germany. Said polymer is classified according to intrinsic viscosity, which is directly proportional to its molecular weight, whose modification influences the crystallization rate and melting point. It is classified as a thermoplastic synthetic resin or a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer. Among the most important features it presents are: - Good behavior under static stress - High resistance to wear and corrosion - Low friction coefficient - Good thermal properties - Fully recyclable - Lightweight - High strength and stiffness - Good strain resistance - High surface hardness - Great dimensional stability - Good electrical insulator

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