Please cite this article as: M.I. Butrón-García, J.A. Jofre-Reche, J.M. Martín-Martínez, Use of statistical design of experiments in the optimization of Ar-O 2 low-pressure plasma treatment conditions of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for increasing polarity and adhesion, and inhibiting hydrophobic recovery, Applied Surface Science (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10. 1016/j.apsusc.2015.01.144 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.