Formation of multi-layered inorganic film on polycarbonate surface modified by an atmospheric plasma discharge

Abstract

Surface modification of polymers has been widely studied because of the industrial interest in several applications involving adhesion, packaging and metallization, among others. Plasma treatment, particularly atmospheric pressure plasma, is one of the most versatile techniques in surface modification. In this work, atmospheric pressure plasma treatment was performed to modify a polycarbonate surface. The effects of the treatment were sensitive to both the plasma ambient and the time elapsed after treatment. Surface treatment with a dielectric barrier discharge plasma torch produced an increase in the wettability of polycarbonate through the creation of C - OH polar groups on its surface, together with surface roughness. These effects were more pronounced by the addition of oxygen in an Ar gas mixture and the surface treatment time. In general, the atmospheric plasma torch treatment helped to enhance the wettability of the aqueous solutions to form a multi-layered inorganic film on the polycarbonate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.