Low Pressure Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)/Nitrogen Plasma Treatment on the Wettability and Surface Free Energy of Biaxial-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) Films

In this paper the influence of DC glow discharge HMDSO-N₂ plasma on wettability and surface properties of Biaxial-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) polymeric surfaces, has been investigated. The effects of plasma exposure time and HMDSO percent on the surface energy and wettability of the BOPP films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurement. A clear change in the surface energy of BOPP films due to plasma treatment was observed. In this work we report changing surface properties of BOPP films instead of plasma treatment time and HMDSO ratios.     

Surface Treatment of Polypropylene Powders Using a Plasma Reactor with a Stirrer

A radio frequency argon plasma reactor with a stirrer was employed for the surface treatment of polypropylene (PP) powders. The changes in the superficial contact angle and the superficial composition of the un-treated and treated PP powders were analyzed by means of water contact angle (WCA) measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The water contact angle changed from the original value of 130.2° before plasma treatment to the value of 73.6° after treatment for 5 minutes. With the increase in plasma treating time, there were a decrease in the water contact angle and an increase in the content of oxygen containing polar functional groups (i.e., C-O, C=O and O-C=O). Both XPS and ATR-FTIR results indicated that the plasma treatment led to the formation of oxygen containing polar functional groups due to oxidation on the surface of the PP powders, and the trend of variation of the water contact angle with plasma treating time was related to the concentration of oxygen atom on the treated PP powders surface. Furthermore, the aging of the plasma-treated PP powders was investigated.     

Surface Modification of Polyimide Film by Dielectric Barrier Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure

In this paper,polyimide(PI)films are modified using an atmospheric pressure plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)in argon.Surface performance of PI film and its dependence on exposure time from 0 s to 300 s are investigated by dynamic water contact angle(WCA),field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total multiple reflection mode(FTIR-ATR).The study demonstrates that dynamic WCA exhibits a minimum with 40 s plasma treatment,and evenly distributed nano-dots and shadow concaves appeared for 40 s and 12 s Ar plasma treatment individually.A short period of plasma modification can contribute to the scission of the imide ring and the introduction of C-O and C=O(-COOH)by detailed analysis of FTIR-ATR.     

Argon/Hexamethyldisiloxane Plasma Effects on Poly Propylene Film Surface Properties

In this work a DC plasma reactor was used for deposition of plasma polymerized coating from hexamethyldisiloxane–Ar (35/65%) mixture on polypropylene films. Surface energy parameter have been calculated using Owens–Wendt approaches with the sessile drop method are used to obtain the dispersive γ^D and polar γ^P component of surface free energy. The surface morphology of samples were investigated using scanning electron microscope. Also the chemical properties and wetability of prepared samples were tested using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurement, respectively.     

Pulsed Plasma Polymerization of Perfluorooctyl Ethylene for Transparent Hydrophobic Thin Coatings

Herein we report on the deposition of transparent hydrophobic thin coatings by radio frequency plasma polymerization(PP) of perfluorooctyl ethylene(PFOE) in both pulsed and continuous wave(CW) modes.The chemical compositions of the resulting PP-PFOE coatings were confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).The thicknesses and surface morphologies of the coatings were examined using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.The surface wetting properties and optical transmittance were measured using a water contact angle goniometer and UV-vis spectroscopy.The FT-IR and XPS data showed that the PP-PFOE coatings deposited in the pulsed mode had a higher retention of CF_2 groups compared to those from the CW mode.While the water contact angle of the freshly deposited PP-PFOE from the pulsed mode showed a decrease from 120 degrees to 111 degrees in the first two days,it then remained almost unchanged up to 45 days.The UV-vis data indicated that a PP-PFOE coating 30.6 nm thick had a light transmittance above 90%in the UV and visible ranges.The deposition rates under various plasma conditions are also discussed.     

Surface Modification of Biodegradable Poly(D,L-lactic acid)by Nitrogen and Nitrogen/Hydrogen Plasma for Improving Surface Hydrophilicity

Enhancement of the surface hydrophilicity of biodegradable poly (D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) films is studied. The PLA films were treated by nitrogen plasma (PLA-N2) and nitrogen/hydrogen plasma (PLA-N2/H2), respectively. The surface properties and microstructure of PLA-N2 and PLA-N2/H2 were studied by static contact angle measurement, surface free energy calculation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It is confirmed that the surface hydrophilicity of PLA-N2 and PLA-N2/H2 was higher than that of pristine PLA, and the surface hydrophilicity of PLA-N2 films was better than that of PLA-N2/H2.     

Plasma Treatment of Aluminum Using a Surface Barrier Discharge Operated in Air and Nitrogen: Parameter Optimization and Related Effects

This paper presents the results of aluminum surface treatment by diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge. The goals are to study the effectiveness of the plasma treatment and the dependence of its efficiency on operation parameters, such as sample-to-electrode distance, treatment time or gas atmosphere. Three types of aluminum materials (bricks, sheets and thin films) were tested to ensure the reliability of the treatment. The changes in the surface properties were characterized by the surface free energy, atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spec- troscopy (XPS). The influence of aging effect on the treatment was also measured and discussed.     

电子束辐照接枝对棉织物抗皱/拒水拒油性能的影响

利用MG-6600型拒水拒油剂以及柠檬酸抗皱剂,以轧烘焙、电子束辐照接枝、等离子体预处理-电子束辐照接枝三种工艺对棉织物进行后整理。傅里叶红外光谱(FTIR)证明拒水拒油剂与柠檬酸已成功接枝于棉纤维上;扫描电子显微镜(SEM)分析表明经三种工艺整理后的棉织物表面均有一层覆盖物,且经等离子预处理后的织物表面出现纵向条纹。通过测量棉织物折皱回复角(WRA)、对水的接触角(WCA)、对油(正十六烷)的接触角(OCA)大小来表征织物性能的变化。结果表明,在等离子体预处理-电子束辐照接枝工艺条件下,棉织物的抗皱、拒水、拒油性能达到最优,其WRA为185.9°,WCA为158.9°,OCA为129.1°,断裂强力、白度值均能满足服用要求,同时棉织物的耐水洗性能大大提高。     

Effect of Low Pressure Nitrogen–Oxygen (N<Subscript>2</Subscript>/O<Subscript>2</Subscript>) Plasma Treatment on Surface Properties of Polypropylene Films

In this paper the effect of plasma treatment by using mixed gas (N₂/O₂) on surface properties of a Polypropylene PP films were investigated as a function of O₂ content and treatment time. Results obtained by using Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that plasma treatment can change chemical structure of polymer surfaces partially. SEM images revealed distinct changes in topography of PP due to O₂/N₂ plasma treatment. Finally wettability and surface energy before and after treatment investigated in different conditions.     

The effect of atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma treatment on the dyeing properties of silk fabric

In this study, the effects of plasma treatment parameters on surface morphology, chemical constituent, dyeability and color fastness of silk fabric were investigated. Atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma generated with different applied voltages(0 kV to 45 kV) was used to treat the surface of silk fabrics. C I Natural Yellow 3 was used to dye untreated and plasmatreated silk fabrics. The physical analysis based on scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of silk fabrics was affected by plasma treatment. The chemical analysis was investigated with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the content of C 1s decreased with the increasing applied voltage, the content of N 1s and O 1s increased with the increasing applied voltage. The increasing K/S values represented that the dyeability of silk fabrics was improved after plasma treatment. The color fastness to dry and wet rubbing was decreased after plasma treatment.     

Properties of the acrylic acid polymers obtained by atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization

Plasma polymers of acrylic acid were obtained using an atmospheric pressure discharge system. The plasma polymerization reactor uses a dielectric barrier discharge, with the polyethylene terephthalate dielectric acting as substrate for deposition. The plasma was characterized by specific electrical measurements, monitoring the applied voltage and the discharge current. Based on the spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy, we analyzed the distribution of the excited species in the discharge gap, specific plasma temperatures (vibrational and gas temperatures) being calculated with the Boltzmann plot method. The properties of the plasma polymer films were investigated by contact angle measurements, infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy. The films produced by plasma polymerization at atmospheric pressure showed a hydrophilic character, in correlation with the strong absorbance of OH groups in the FTIR spectrum. Moreover, the surface of the plasma polymers at micrometric scale is smooth and free of defects without particular features.     

介质阻挡放电等离子体合成羧基功能薄膜及其细胞黏附性研究

本文的目的是利用介质阻挡放电制备聚丙烯酸生物功能薄膜.利用接触角测量仪,傅立叶变换红外光谱(FT-IR),原子力显微镜(AFM),X射线光电子能谱(XPS)对功能薄膜进行表征.通过体外细胞培养和富血血小板黏附实验,讨论了含有羧基功能团薄膜的结构、成分以及性能对其生物相容性的影响.实验表明:等离子放电参数对合成羧基功能薄膜的结构和成分有较大影响,且聚合的羧基功能薄膜能较好地促进细胞在其表面的黏附以及生长.     

A Study on Optical Emission of CF4＋CH4 Plasma and Deposition Mechanisms of a-C ： F, H Films

Fluorinated amorphous carbon (a-C : F, H) films were deposited by inductively coupled plasma using CH4 and CF4 gases. Actinometrical optical emission spectroscopy (AOES) was used to determine the relative concentrations of various radicals, CF, CF2 CH, C2, H and F, in the plasma as a function of gas flow ratio R, R=[CH4]/([CH4] [CF4]). The structural evolution of the films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared transmission (FTIR) spectroscopy. The relationship between the film deposition and the precursor radicals in the plasma was discussed. It was shown that CH radical, as well as CF, CF2, C2 radicals are of the precursors, contributing to a-C : F, H film growth.     

Deposition of stain resistance coating by non-thermal plasma brush application to dental whitening

A non-thermal plasma brush is employed to deposit stain-resistant SiO₂-like coatings on resin composite fillings and bovine teeth. With post-treating by plasma, the hardness of the coating increases from H to 8H and the water contact angle decreases from 98.8° to 61.7°. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show that, after plasma post-treating, the Si–O–Si and Si–OH bonds of the coating increase. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show the coatings to be uniform, without cracks. The coatings present outstanding performance in a stain resistance test both on resin composite and bovine teeth. Being easy to handle and less time consuming than traditional methods, with a body-friendly temperature and material, this plasma brush provides a promising in-situ coating method on patient teeth in dental clinics.     

Effect of electron beam irradiation sterilization on the biomedical poly (octene-co-ethylene)/polypropylene films

The effect of electron beam irradiation with the dose ranging from 15 to 40 kGy on poly (octene-co-ethylene) (POE)/polypropylene (PP) films was investigated. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), yellowness index testing and mechanical performance measurement were applied to characterize the films. It demonstrated that crystalline structure exhibited little change, and degree of crystallinity slightly change under the irradiation treatment. Irradiation brought about oxidation of the films, forming hydroxyl groups of the peroxides and carbonyl groups. Tensile properties become worse as irradiation dose increased. Electron beam irradiation with the dose of 15-40 kGy has little effect on crystalline performance and a little influence for the POE/PP films, indicating a good irradiation resistance.     

Optical Characterization of Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon(a-C:H)Thin Films Prepared by Single RF Plasma Method

Methane(CH4) plasma was used to produce amorphous hydrogenated carbon(aC:H) films by a single capacitively coupled radio frequency(RF) powered plasma system.The system consists of two parallel electrodes:the upper electrode is connected to 13.56 MHz RF power and the lower one is connected to the ground.Thin films were deposited on glass slides with different sizes and on silicon wafers.The influence of the plasma species on film characteristics was studied by changing the plasma parameters.The changes of plasma species during the deposition were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy(OES).The structural and optical properties were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction(XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy,and the thicknesses of the samples were measured by a profilometer.The sp~3/sp~2 ratio and the existing H atoms play a significant role in the determination of the chemical properties of thin films in the plasma.The film quality and deposition rate were both increased by raising the power and the flow rate.     

预辐射聚丙烯膜接枝甲基丙烯酸聚乙二醇酯及其性能研究

采用预辐射接枝法对预辐射的聚丙烯（ＰＰ）膜接枝不同分子量的甲基丙烯酸聚乙二醇酯（ＰＥＧＭＡ）。分别研究了不同接枝溶液体系对接枝率的影响;通过全反射傅里叶红外光谱（ＦＴＩＲ－ＡＲＴ）和水接触角等的测定,观察了接枝前后ＰＰ膜表面性能的变化;还接枝前后ＰＰ膜绎血液蛋白吸附、血小弧的吸附以及样品表面血栓量等,以比较接枝前后样品的血液相容性。     

Atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge excited by nanosecond pulse and AC used for improving the hydrophilicity of aramid fibers

In this paper, a long line-shape dielectric barrier discharge excited by a nanosecond pulse and AC is generated in atmospheric air for the purpose of discussing the uniformity, stability and ability of aramid fiber treatment. The discharge images, waveforms of current and voltage,optical emission spectra, and gas temperatures of both discharges are compared. It is found that nanosecond pulsed discharge has a more uniform discharge morphology, higher energy efficiency and lower gas temperature, which indicates that nanosecond pulsed discharge is more suitable for surface modification. To reduce the water contact angle from 96° to about 60°, the energy cost is only about 1/7 compared with AC discharge. Scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to understand the mechanisms of hydrophilicity improvement.     

Optical Characterization of Diamond Synthesis Using CH3OH-H2 Gas Mixtures

Diamond films with high infrared transmittance have been successfully deposited using CH3OH-H2 gas mixtures through microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWCVD). The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the deposition conditions on the optical properties of MWCVD diamond films using CH3OH-H2 gas mixtures. Room temperature optical properties of freestanding diamond films were studied by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Experimental results indicated that under appropriate deposition temperature (620 ℃) and methanol concentration (5.7%), the refractive index of CVD diamond films (2.33) was comparable with that of natural diamond (2.417). The average infrared transmittance was above 65% in the middle infrared region (500 cm^-1 - 4000 cm^-1), approaching to the theoretical value of diamond (71.4%). The mechanism of growing high IR transmittance diamond films by utilizing CH3OH-H2 gas system is that the high methanol concentration used in this study makes the surface roughness of diamond films decreased by increasing the secondary nucleation density and the high O/C ratio in CH3OH-H2 gas system, improved the quality of diamond films and therefore decreased the absorption of non-diamond carbon in the films.     

Plasma assisted synthesis of hollow nanofibers using electrospun sacrificial templates

In this work, we describe the synthesis of nanostructured polymeric materials of controlled tubular geometries using oxygen plasma and polysiloxane-grafting onto electrospun fiber sacrificial templates. The fibers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the extent of grafting, graft chemistry and the influence of plasma treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and size of the electrospun fibers and nanotubes. The average diameter of the electrospun fibers employed ranged between 300 nm and 1500 nm. The micrographs revealed differences that are dependent on the type of grafting chemistry as well as plasma treatment times. The template synthesis of polysiloxane nanotubes using polyester track-etched membranes also shows that the technique is applicable to different substrates.