Effect of Low-Pressure Nitrogen DC Plasma Treatment on the Surface Properties of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) and Polyvinyl Chloride Films

Abstract

In this study, commercial biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films were treated with nitrogen plasma over different exposure times in a Pyrex tube surrounded by a DC variable magnetic field. The chemical changes that appeared on the surface of the samples were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy after treatment for 2 min, 4 min and 6 min in a nitrogen plasma chamber. Effects of the plasma treatment on the surface topographies and contact angles of the untreated and plasma treated films were also analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a contact angle measuring system. The results show that the plasma treated films become more hydrophilic with an enhanced wettability due to the formation of some new polar groups on the surface of the treated films. Moreover, at higher exposure times, the total surface energy in all treated films increased while a reduction in contact angle occurred. The behavior of surface roughness in each sample was completely different at higher exposure times.

A simple mechanical technique to obtain carbon nanoscrolls from graphite nanoplatelets

“…This different behavior is ascribed to the presence of friction which is more effective in the latter case. In fact, the roughness of BOPP is 4.20 Å [ 12 , 13 ], comparable to the graphite interlayer spacing (3.354 Å), thus leading to enhanced mechanical grip between the two sliding surfaces.…”

Plasma Surface Treatment of BOPP Film by Dielectric Barrier Glow Discharge in Argon/Air

“…In order to improve the adhesion of the material, surface modification is needed. Chemical and physical processes have been developed to modify BOPP film, such as flame treatment, plasma treatment, ultraviolet treatment, metal plating, etching, oxidation, and surface grafting [3]- [8].…”