Effects of operating parameters on DC glow discharge plasma induced PET film surface

Abstract

A DC glow discharge plasma surface modification techniques are used to modify surface properties of polymeric materials such as adhesivity, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The plasma interaction with the surface produces modifications of its chemical structure and morphology. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of operating parameters such as discharge potential, pressure and exposure time on surface properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The changes in hydrophilic properties of PET films were studied in detail using contact angle and surface energy measurements. The surface morphology and chemical composition of plasma modified film surfaces were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the efficiency of the surface treatment increases with increasing discharge potential, pressure and exposure time. The AFM and XPS analysis showed changes in surface topography and formation of polar groups on the plasma modified PET surfaces. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.