A review of polymer surface modification by cold plasmas toward bulk functionalization

Abstract

Plasma surface modification of polymers is a well‐established method applied to increase the surface energy of these materials, where the capacity of cold plasmas to generate free radicals and functionalize the surface with polar groups is widely reported in the literature. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on plasma surface treatment, plasma‐induced grafting, and plasma polymerization, evaluating how these techniques can be applied to modify the bulk properties of polymers. A novel process of plasma‐induced polymer bulk functionalization in the melt state is introduced, where an atmospheric pressure plasma jet could be applied to a continuous reactive extrusion process, enhancing the production of graft copolymers for compatibilization of polymeric blends and fiber composites.

Adhesion Properties and Stability of Polar Polymers Treated by Air Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

“…Polymer surfaces typically exhibit hydrophobicity and intrinsic inertness, which raise challenges in applications requiring convenient adhesion, friction, penetrability, wettability, dyeability, and biocompatibility. Therefore, it is essential to employ appropriate methods and techniques to tailor the surface of polymer materials to meet the requirements of specific applications [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Additionally, amorphous polymer structures may undergo a higher rate of modification in a reactive environment compared to semicrystalline ones. Also, polar oxygen-bearing polymer structures may demonstrate a limited increase in their surface adhesion-related properties and an accelerated tendency to post-treatment recovery [ 5 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Considering these factors, this study aims to explore the complex relationship between these structural parameters and the extent and limitations of plasma-induced surface modification compared to nonpolar polymers [ 23 ].…”

Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet on 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

“…Nevertheless, the surface properties of the polymers are frequently critical, necessitating the meticulous identification and acquisition of these characteristics. Non-thermal plasma exposure is commonly used to alter the surface characteristics of polymers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], even for biofunctionalizing 3D-printed structures [10].…”